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atlafan · 4 years

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Something New - One Shot

a/n: I’ve been working on this for a couple of weeks, rewrote half of it, and now I feel like it’s good enough to post. I guess you could call this enemies to friends to lovers??? they’re both idiots, honestly lmao, anyways, enjoy biology teacher!Harry (not proofread) reblogs and feedback are helpful!

Warnings: a little bit of angst, fluff, and smut

Words: 20K

Divorced, new home, new town, new job, and a new school district for the kids all within the same year. Y/N had been separated from her husband for a couple of years prior, but when he moved in with his girlfriend, she knew it was officially over. It sucked. She knew she’d look back on it someday and be grateful that they ended things, but right now she wasn’t too happy about it. He got to be a weekend dad with his young girlfriend by his side, and there she was looking like the crazy old hang. It wasn’t her fault for not taking the best care of herself. She was depressed, could you blame her. They lived in one of those towns where everyone knew every little thing about you, so it was time to get out.

Securing the new job was the first on the list. If she could do that then maybe the kids would be more understanding about leaving. Y/N was a database manager for a non-profit organization. She was behind the scenes, and that’s how she liked it. She didn’t have to be the one asking for money or on the front lines vising donors. It was a job she could do anywhere, and she’d get paid well because of the software she knew how to use like the back of her hand.

There was a private school she had seen a job opening for. Normally, she’d be more apt to work for a non-profit, and not just some school for snotty rich kids, but their website made it seem like it wasn’t like that. Their donors gave out scholarships for students all of the time, and staff/faculty could send their kids to the school for free. That was a no brainer. Giving her kids a good education was her dream. The school was a K-12, so that would mean an easy pick up and drop off. After thinking it over, and researching the surrounding towns, she sent in her application.

Two weeks later she got a call for a video interview. She accepted happily. A week after that she was asked on campus for a second interview. Y/N put on her best blazer and nicest blue dress, the school colors were red and blue after all. She even made sure to wear red heels. Y/N spoke eloquently during her interview. She had researched everyone in the development office so she already knew faces and names. They were impressed. She spoke about her experience with The Rasier’s edge, the database management system, and they were awe-struck. She was given a tour of the campus, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The elementary school was a separate building, and the middle school and high school were separate, but connected by two connectors to make one large building. The development office was set up in this cute white house. They shared it with the alumni office, and apparently it was one of the oldest buildings on campus. Although, it was taken of so you’d never know it was old. They even showed her where her potential new office would be. There was a pool and ice rink as well that Y/N got to see. She was impressed. She interviewed the people on the committee too, knowing it was a two way street. She liked what they had to say.

A week or so after that, she was given an offer, a really good offer. Now it was time to talk to her kids. She couldn’t just accept without speaking with them first. Her daughter, Riley, would be going into ninth grade, and her son, Ben, would be going into eighth. Y/N was only thirty-three, she was a young mother, thanks to her ex-husband who was about seven years older than her. A red flag she should have been more wise to, but she was young and naïve, and that’s all that needs to be said about that.

It was a difficult conversation with the kids, but after calming down they had become more open to it. They were upset with their father, and the idea of being a little farther away was sounding really nice. Living in a new home to make new memories in was sounding really nice. Making new friends and having a fresh start was sounding really nice.

So, Y/N accepted the position, and was given a moving allowance. She was able to find a home quickly that was perfect for them. A decent three bedroom about fifteen minutes from campus, so the commute would be easy enough. Riley and Ben took a liking to the uniforms, and since you did all of this over the summer, they’d be able to blend in easily on the first day of school. No awkward ‘walking in halfway through the term’ bullshit.

“When am I supposed to see them?” Your ex had asked you over the phone when you told him you were moving.

“Every other weekend, same as before.”

“So now I have to drive an hour out of my way to-“

“It’s not an hour, it’s forty-five minutes at best. Shouldn’t it be worth it? They’re your kids.”

“You’re taking them from me.”

“You did that to yourself, Joseph. The weekends will stay the same. Be happy our kids are getting a good education. Goodbye.”

She knew she was harsh, but after being cheated on, and left for a younger woman, she thought she earned the right. A week before school started, the kids had gotten their schedules in the mail.

“Who do you have, Riles?” Ben asks her.

“Someone named…Mr. Styles for homeroom, he’s the biology teacher too.”

“Thought you took bio sophomore year.” Y/N says to her.

“Nope, my grades were good, remember? I’m in the honors class.” She smiles.

“What about you, Ben?”

“Um…Mr. Horan. Looks like I’ll have him for pre-algebra.”

“No female teachers for that, huh?” Y/N asks.

“I have a woman for Geometry, Mum, see?” Riley shows her.

“Oh good. Got worried for a second there.” Y/N chuckles.

“Are you nervous to start your new job?” Ben asks her.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I’m actually really excited. The time off has been nice, but I’m eager to get back into it.”

Y/N drops off the kids on the first day before going over to the staff lot. The program support assistant, Millie, is waiting for her with a cup of coffee and a warm smile.

“Morning, Y/N.”

“Hi, Millie.”

“Cream no sugar, right?”

“That’s right, thank you so much.”

“Let me lead you upstairs to your office. You have a meeting with the director of development, John, in about half an hour, and then you’ll have a team meeting with the rest of the people on your specific team, the gift processors, customer service. Then at lunch the development team and the alumni team will get together to welcome you.”

“Oh my, well, alright.” She chuckles.

“I put everything on your calendar for you.”

“Thank you.”

Y/N was used to doing everything herself at work, this was already a breath of fresh air. She hoped Riley and Ben had a good morning just the same.

It takes Riley a moment to find her classroom. She stops short when she walks in when she sees Mr. Styles, and another student walks right into her.

“I’m so sorry.” She says to the boy that nearly knocked her over. “Um, I wasn’t sure if this was the right classroom.”

“it’s okay.” He says. “Are you new?”

“Yeah, I’m Riley.”

“I’m Chris.” He smiles. “Wanna sit next to me?”

“Sure!” She says and sits a few rows back with him.

“Where’d you move from?”

“Just form a few towns over. My mom just got a job in the development office here.”

“Oh, cool! My mom works grounds here.”

Riley noticed that Chris had a rainbow pin on his blazer. She smiles at it. He notices her looking at it.

“I…uh…like your pin.”

“Oh, thanks.” He mumbles.

“My best friend back home has a lot of rainbow stuff in her room.”

Chris nods in understanding. More kids come in and claim their seats. The second bell rings, and Mr. Styles closes the door.

“Good morning, everyone.” Riley’s jaw drops at his accent and deep voice.

“Get used to it.” Chris whispers to her. “A lot of the teachers here are from other countries.”

Riley nods and continues to listen to Mr. Styles.

“Welcome to another year at our fabulous school. You’re officially high schoolers!” He grabs the handbook. “Which means there’s even more rules to follow, so let’s get through this together, yeah?”

Mr. Styles was quirky. He cracked jokes and made Riley feel excited to have him for biology. She turned to look at all of the lab benches in the back. She loved science in general, so this was good.

“Lastly, open house for parents will be at the end of the month. They begin at 6PM, so hopefully I’ll be able to meet all your folks. We also have a really fun fall carnival on campus. There’s games, rides, and it also gives a chance for families to see where you go to school. It’s all a part of our homecoming weekend.” The bell rings and everyone stands up. “Riley, could we chat for a second?”

She nods and looks at Chris.

“I can wait outside for you.” He says to her and she feels grateful. Their schedules were just about the same.

“Um, hi.” She says shyly.

“Hi, dear, so I was informed you’re new, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“Well, if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. Usually we have new students stand up and introduce themselves, but I don’t like making people do that. It’s so forced. I can see you’re already making a friend.” He smiles. “Is it just you that’s new to us? Any siblings?”

“My younger brother is in eighth grade. He has Mr. Horan for homeroom.”

“You don’t say? That’s my best mate, believe it or not. He’s in good hands.”

“That’s good to know. I’m sure it’ll give my mom some peace of mind.”

“I don’t want to make you let, just wanted to give you a more friendly introduction.”

“Thank you, Mr. Styles. See you for bio.”

“See you later.”

Riley was making friends right away thanks to Chris. She had people to sit with at lunch, and she made sure Ben did too. He seemed to be sitting at a full table which was great. Her last class of the day was bio, which was perfect so she’d be near her locker.

“Welcome to honors biology.” Mr. Styles says. “This is a mixed class of ninth and tenth graders. Today we’re going to settle on lab partners, and we’re going to get lab safety out of the way. It’s the bane of my existence, but I need to know you all know how to be safe.”

Chris offers to be Riley’s lab partner even though he had other friends in the class. Mr. Styles writes down who is partnered with who. Then he essentially gives a tour of the classroom. He shows them where all of the lab coats and goggles are, the eyewash station, the sanitation shower, and the other equipment they’ll be using throughout the year.

“Now, in biology, we’ll be learning a lot about plants and animals, and we’ll also get into human anatomy. These subjects can be tough at times to grasp, so please, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I want to make sure I’m explaining things properly. I’m always will to meet after school for extra help as well, or put together a study group.” Mr. Styles explains.

Riley was finding that all of the teachers were really nice so far. She meets Ben after school and they walk over to the staff lot where Y/N was. She had asked to save her lunch hour for 2PM so she could scoot the kids home quick. Her supervisor had no problem with it.

“How was it?”

“Mr. Horan is hilarious, and he’s Irish!”

“Mr. Styles is British! And super nice. I think I’m gonna like it here, Mum. I already made a friend, so I had people to sit with at lunch.”

“Me too!”

It warmed Y/N’s heart to hear that the first day went well. It was all she could have hoped for. She gets them home, set up with a snack, and back out the door she goes. She had a couple of hours left of work anyways, so it was a nice break in the day. The lunch she had earlier with her new colleagues was fantastic. Everyone was welcoming and had no problem showing her the ropes.

When she’s walking to the parking lot around 5PM she notices other people making their way as well. She smiles at a few, and she gets some friendly nods back. She’s parked next to a black range rover, and she was hoping to get to her car before the other owner because she had parked a little too close to them on their driver’s side, but it wasn’t her fault. It was the only open spot when she got back.

“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

Shit, she thinks to herself as she approaches. Not a great first impression to make at all.

“Just crawl in on the other side, H.”

“It’s the principle of the thing! They could have scratched it, or-“

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Y/N yells as she hustles over. “I had to bring my kids home, and this was the only other open spot, and the person previously on the other side of me was parked over the line, so I had to squeeze in, and I know it looks like I’m the asshole, but I swear I’m not.” She panics as she gets her keys out of her purse.

“It’s fine, miss, Harry’s just a jerk when it comes to his fancy car.”

“You sure like riding in my fancy car, so I suggest you shut it.” Harry huffs and looks at Y/N, furrowing his brows. “Look, I’ve had to be nice all day, and I’m exhausted, could you just back out so we can leave?”

“I said I was sorry.” She mumbles. Her eyes widen, though. An Irish accent and a British accent. “Shit, I think you’re my kids’ teachers.” She sighs. “Do the names Riley and Ben ring a bell?”

Harry’s features soften and he runs a hand through his hair.

“You’re Riley’s mum?”

“Yes.”

“Seems like she had a good first day. What department are you working in?”

“I’m the new database manager for the development office.”

“Ben was a delight! Laughed at all my jokes.” Niall says and you smile.

“He said you were funny. Riley liked you too, although now I’m not sure why. Taking a long day out on me. I’m sure the first day is a lot, but it was my first day too, and I’m equally as tired.”

“Maybe you should get home then.” Harry says, and she rolls her eyes.

“Nice meeting you both…well, one of you. I’m sure I’ll see you again, but if not I’ll be at the open house.” She gets into her car and carefully backs out, not scratching Harry’s car.

“You were rude.” Niall says as they both get into the car.

“I paid a lot of money for this car. I park far away for a reason, and someone has to park that close to me?”

“She apologized.”

“Good for her.”

“Harry…”

“Ugh, Francie texted me today, and it just sent me into a fucking spiral, and I had to act like it didn’t all day.”

“What?! When did she text you?”

“After homeroom, she told me to have a good first day. I didn’t even respond.”

“You should just block her number.”

“I haven’t quite reached that point yet, but it’s coming for sure.”

“You still shouldn’t have taken it out on that woman.”

“I’m sure she’ll forget all about it. I’ll be nice next time I see her, alright? Can we please just go get a pint now?”

“You’re the one driving, find a place you wanna go to.”

Y/N had successfully avoided the rude Brit that had given her such a tough time on her first day. Riley still raved about him, though. She said he was one of the best teachers she ever had. Ben really enjoyed Mr. Horan as well. He made math fun, which Y/N was grateful for. Ben was never really a good student, but he was doing really well so far.

“I can’t wait for you to go to the open house. Make sure to be super nice.” Riley tells Y/N. “I don’t want my teachers suddenly being mean.”

“It’s not me you have to worry about.” Y/N scoffs.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, honey. So, you’ll walk me around to all the classrooms, and you wait outside?”

“Mhm.” She beams.

“Mum, wait until you talk to Mr. Horan. He’s going to tell you the best things about me, I just know it.” Ben says.

“I’m looking forward to it, honey.”

Y/N had a draining day on the day of open house, and she just decided to stay on campus. She ended up taking the kid home at two, and told them she could figure out where the classrooms were herself. She got to have a one on one with Mr. Horan first.

“You can just call me Niall. We don’t need to be so formal.”

“Alright.” She smiles. “You can call me Y/N.”

“Ben’s doing really well so far. I was a little nervous at first, but he’s getting the hang of it.”

“Thank god.” She sighs. “So, he’ll be in ninth grade taking algebra one next year, is that okay?”

“Perfectly okay. A lot of students do that.”

“I just wanted to make sure because my daughter is in geometry.”

“Math isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I was checking out his other grades, and he’s excelling in history.” She nods.

The conversation goes well. Y/N makes it through all of the meetings, and her last one is with Harry. She hears laughing from inside the classroom. The door swoops open, and a couple walks out chuckling with Harry.

“Ah, Mrs. Davidson, come on in.”

“It’s Miss Y/LN, or just Y/N if you want.” She says as she sits down on the chair near his desk. He sits down on his chair.

“My mistake, Riley’s last name is-“

“Her father’s last name. I’ve changed mine back. We’re divorced, didn’t really feel like keeping it.”

“I’m, um, sorry, I know how rough divorce can be.”

“Yeah? Been through it yourself, Mr. Styles?”

“Just call me Harry, and my parents were divorced, so I know enough about it from a child’s perspective.”

“They’re not too keen on their father right now. Classic situation of him cheating on me with a younger woman, which of course they found out about.”

“That’s weird.” He rests his cheek on his fist. “You seem pretty young yourself.”

She blushes slightly and clears her throat.

“Could say the same to you. I had them young, yeah, things happen. I don’t regret it though.”

“Riley’s been a real pleasure to have in class, and she’s fitting right in. She seems to like biology the best.”

“She loves science.” She smiles. “Think she gets that from me. I was really into math and science as a kid.”

“Guess you being a database manager makes sense then. New job treating you well?”

“Yeah.” She cocks her head to the side with a smirk. “Although, my almost perfect first day was just about sullied by a man you bullied me in the parking lot.”

“Okay, okay, I was an ass.” He sighs. “Thanks for bringing it up by the way.”

“Why were you so nasty to me anyways? I’ve been avoiding you.”

He frowns at that.

“My ex…fiancé texted me and wished me a good first day, so it just ruined my day and I had to keep it all bottled up. You parking that close just brought me over the edge. I apologize.”

“Yikes, I’m sorry. Well, at least you got out of it before you got married. You saved a lot of money and time.”

“It’s alright…” He looks away for a moment. “Are you bringing the kids to the carnival? It’s all part of homecoming weekend.”

“Yes, and they’re really excited. I have to work technically since a lot of donors come back. I mostly just need to be on the ball. Their father is coming too since it’s his weekend with them technically. I guess it’s good for him to see where they’re going to school.”

“If you need a break from him I’ll be working the candy apple booth.” He smiles.

“Good to know.” She yawns. “Jesus, sorry. I gotta say, I’m whipped.”

“Makes sense, it’s past eight.”

“That late?!” She stands up immediately, and so does he. “I need to get home to them. Um, well, this was a much better meeting.” She sticks her hand out for him to shake.

“I agree. Don’t be a stranger this weekend.”

She nods and leaves his classroom. Maybe he wasn’t as big of an asshole as she thought. Y/N’s had her fair share of bad days, he was allowed to have them too.

“It’s like a college campus, this place is huge!” Joseph says once they’re at the football field of the school.

“Yeah, and there’s a pool! I’m trying out for the winter swim team soon.” Riley tells her dad, in a better mood since he didn’t bring his girlfriend.

“It’s really all free for them?” He asks Y/N.

“Mhm.” She nods. “Okay, here all your meal tickets. I have to bee-bop around since I’m technically working. Have fun with Dad.” She smiles and they lead Joseph off towards some of the rides and games.

Y/N meets up with her colleagues and mingles with some of the donors she hasn’t been able to meet yet. She meets back up with the kids later to go on a few rides, and then goes to get food with them. She spots Harry at the candied apples tent, and she goes over there.

“I knew you’d find me.” He smirks.

“I’ve got a sweet tooth, what can I say?” She shrugs.

“You know, me too. Major sweet tooth.”

For whatever reason that makes her blush.

“Um, so I can I have it dipped in caramel and chocolate?”

“A woman after my own heart! I like mine the same way.” He picks up one of the apples from its stick and dips it in the chocolate first. “Any sprinkles or anything?”

“No, the sauces are fine, thank you.”

“So, where’s the-“

“Hi, Mr. Styles.” Riley says as she, Ben, and Joseph approach. “This is my dad.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Riley’s homeroom and biology teacher.” Harry hands you the apple once it’s done, and then shakes Joseph’s hand. “She’s a real pleasure to have in class.”

“So I’ve heard! Nice to hear it straight form the source, though.” There’s an awkward silence. “Um, well, kids do you want an apple?”

“Yeah!” Ben says and tells Harry what he wants.

Harry’s eyes catch Y/N biting into her apple, and how she licks around her lips. He looks a little too long because Joseph notices, and he clears his throat to snap Harry out of his trance.

“You two about ready to hit the road after this?” He asks them.

“Sure.” Riley shrugs. “Bye, Mr. Styles.”

“Have a good weekend, see you Monday.”

Y/N hugs both of the kids, and nods at Joseph.

“So…no kids this weekend?” Harry says to her.

“Nope. It’s funny, I always look forward to the little break, but by the time Sunday night hits I miss them.”

“Any plans?”

“Just relaxing. I’ll probably catch up on some sleep tomorrow. How about you?”

“A few of us are going to the pub after this…if you’d like to join, you’re welcome to.”

“Oh!” She says a little surprised. “Well, that would be great, actually. I haven’t really had time to explore some of the night life around here yet.”

“I could drive us from here if you like. I can always bring you back to your car.”

“You actually trust me to get into that fancy car of yours? I’m shocked.” She smirks, and he rolls his eyes.

“I apologized for that, didn’t I? Can we move on? Let me give you a ride later.”

“Alright.” She smiles. “Sounds like fun. It would be nice to get to know more people.”

“Great, I’ll find you later then?”

“Sounds good.” She walks away with her apple in hand, and he smiles.

After schmoozing with more alumni and donors, Y/N felt pooped. Did she really feel like going out and drinking? She could easily go home, draw herself a bath, and have a glass of fine all on her own. She had socially interacted so much today, and the thought of doing more was draining. Maybe she could go out with Harry another time. She tries looking around for him, but she’s not sure she spots him.

“Y/N!” She hears from behind her. “You ready?” Harry asks.

“About that…I think I’ve changed my mind…”

“How come?” He says with a slight frown.

“I was very social today, so I’m feeling a little tired. I don’t think I have enough pep in me for drinks tonight…but maybe another time?” She clasps her hands in front of her waist, feeling a little nervous all of a sudden.

“Oh, yeah, I definitely get that. Um, yeah, another time for sure.”

“Thanks, well, see you around, Harry.”

“See you…”

“Mum, we’re home!” Ben says Sunday evening as he and Riley come inside.

“Hey.” She smiles. “How was Dad’s?”

“Annoying.” Riley huffs. “I can’t stand Margaret. She, like, tries too hard to be our friends.”

“Mm, well, that’s what happens when a forty-year-old man decides to date a twenty-five-year-old woman. She probably knows how to babysit and be a pal.”

“Doesn’t it gross you out that he’s with someone so much younger?” Ben asks as he plops down on the couch.

“Of course it does. It won’t last long, unless she’s after his money.” She rolls her eyes. “I don’t know why, it’s not like we were living the high life before.”

“Ew, what if he gets her pregnant.” Riley says with disgust. “I don’t want another little sibling, one is plenty.”

“Yeah, and then we’d have to pretend like we’re happy for him. I’m glad we didn’t have to do two nights over there this weekend.”

“Me too.” Riley sighs. “Did you do anything this weekend?” She asks Y/N.

“I just relaxed. Caught up on some TV, nothing special.” She shrugs. “Did you get all your homework done?”

“Yes.” They say in unison.

“Alright, go get ready for bed then.”

Riley and Chris meet at their lockers the next day at school and talk about their weekends. They chat in homeroom about their upcoming biology test. Chris was feeling a little nervous, but Riley was feeling confident. She studied almost all day Sunday. When it was last period, and Harry gave out the tests, her eyes bugged out. She read all of the questions over, and it wasn’t at all what she thought. She looked up at Harry dumbfounded. He was typing away at his computer, answering emails. She walks up to his desk with the test.

“Done already?” He jokes with a whisper.

“Mr. Styles…I don’t know any of this.”

“What do you mean? I gave you a study guide.”

“I…I know you did, but I left it at my mom’s, and so I was going off memory…I think I studied the wrong chapters by accident or something.” Her eyes were about to well up with tears.

“Alright, step out into the hall with me. Did you take notes while you studied?”

“Yeah.”

“Grab them for me.”

He stands up and goes out to the hallway to wait for her. A few of the kids in class were watching, but they get back to their own tests. She hands him her notes, and he makes a few humming noises.

“Right, yeah, you studied the wrong chapters.”

“Ugh, I knew it! So…does this mean I fail?”

“No.” He sighs. “It was an honest mistake, you’ll have to take a makeup exam after school sometime this week, though.”

“I can do it tomorrow! I would just need tonight to study. I could study in class now.”

“Get the rest of your things, I can give you a pass to the library.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Styles.”

“Don’t mention it.”

They both go back inside and she grabs the rest of her things. He writes her the pass and out the door she goes. Chris makes a motion for her to text him before she slips out, and she nods. Tuesday morning, just as Harry was sitting down at his desk with his coffee, he got an interoffice phone call from Y/N.

“Hello?” He answers, voice still deep from sleep.

“Hi, Harry, it’s Y/N.”

“I know…caller ID and all that.” He chuckles.

“Right, well, I wanted to say thank you for letting Riley take her test later this afternoon. She was a wreck last night when she got home.”

“It was an honest mistake. Plus, when I saw how much studying she did I knew I had to give her a chance to just take it later. Do you think she’s prepared enough for later?”

“Oh, definitely. She feels much better. Do you mind if Ben comes to sit in the classroom with her while she takes it? No sense in me zipping him home if she’s going to stay after.”

“Sure, I don’t mind.”

“You’re a life saver, thanks! Talk to you soon.”

“Bye-“ He’s cut off by the sound of the phone clicking on the other end.

Riley stays after class to take her test. Shortly after Ben shyly walks into the classroom and takes a seat. He does his own homework while she takes her test. Forty minutes later, Riley finishes her test, and hands it to Harry.

“I can grade it now if you like since it was all multiple choice.”

“That’d be great.” She smiles.

He looks at his answer key and checks off all her right answers. He writes 92% in big red ink and circles it.

“Well done. I can’t give it back to you until tomorrow, of course, but at least you can rest easy about it.”

“God, what a relief! Guess I’ll be a pro when we reach the chapters I already studied.”

“I bet you will be.”

“Do you mind if we hang out here until our mum’s done with work? She said she was just gonna pull up out front of the building.”

“Sure, I have some other grading to do anyways. In fact, would you like to help? It’s for another class, I could give you the answer key.”

“Yeah!”

Harry sets her up, and he even plays a little music for all of them.

“Mr. Styles?” A boy named Austin walks in. He was a sophomore in Riley’s class. “Thank god you’re still here.” He sighs.

“What’s up, Austin?”

“I was wondering if you graded my test yet? The football coach needs me to fill this progress report slip out. He’s making all of us do it.”

“Oh! Yeah, let me look. I can just tell you your overall grade. Have a seat, it’ll take me a minute.”

He nods and sits down, glancing at Riley briefly. She gives him a small smile and blushes.

“How come you’re here?” He asks her.

“Oh, I needed to make up the test from yesterday. I accidentally studied the wrong chapters.”

“Happens to the best of us.” He smirks. “You’re new to town, right?”

“Yeah.”

“You should come to the football game Friday, since it’s home.”

“Yeah, um, maybe I will.”

“Cool.”

“Alright, Austen, I’ve got your grade.”

He stands up and goes to Harry’s desk.

“Sick, a C+! That’s way better than I thought.”

“Let’s try to keep it that way, yeah?”

“I’ll do my best, thanks.” He walks out of the room and Riley puffs out some air.

“Don’t tell me you have a crush on that guy?” Ben chuckles.

“He’s so cute, I can’t help it. That’s the most he’s ever spoken to me, and now he wants me to go to the game. I have to go Friday, I need to text Chris.”

“If you go, can I go?”

“Sure.” She shrugs. “The more the merrier.”

Riley and Ben had always been close. They were practically best friends. They got a lot closer when their parents were going through the separation/divorce process, leaning on each other for a lot. Harry hear the sound of heels clacking on the floors outside the classroom, and there Y/N is appearing in the doorway looking lovelier than ever. She had a long coat on, synched at the waist, and her hair was down and wavy.

“Hi, kids, ready?” They both get up, and Harry stands as well. “Thanks for letting them hang out for a bit while I finished up.”

“It was no problem. Riley was pretty helpful to me with some grading.”

“How’d the test go?” She asks her daughter.

“Got a 92!”

“Amazing! I think that calls for takeout tonight.”

“You just don’t feel like cooking.” Ben chuckles.

“I’m sorry, are you complaining about getting Chinese food, or?”

“No! Just making an observation.”

“Mhm, okay, let’s go. Have a good night Mr. Styles.” She says to him.

“Same to you.”

On the ride home, Riley gets a text from Chris saying he’s down for the football game on Friday. She sighs with relief, and looks over her mother.

“So…can Ben and I meet up with Chris on Friday? We’d like to go to the football game.”

“A boy asked her to go!”

“Shut up, or you can’t come with me.”

“Hey!” Y/N says. “A boy asked you to go?”

“Well, sort of. He just said I should go if I wanted. I haven’t been to one yet, it could be fun. Chris said the snack bar is pretty stacked.”

“And you’ll keep an eye on your brother?”

“I’m only a year younger than her.” Ben scoffs.

“You’re in the eighth grade, that’s a big difference right now, even if it doesn’t feel like it. What time does the game start?”

“6:30, I think.”

“Sure, you can go. I think that’ll be good for you kids to go to.”

“Awesome, thanks Mum.”

“We’re gonna be there anyways, just ask her to tag along.” Niall says to Harry over lunch on Thursday.

“You make it seem like I wanna date her, I just think she’s cute.”

“Just ask her if she wants to go out with us after, would you?”

“Fine, I’ll give her a call right now.” Harry reaches for his phone, and looks up Y/N’s extension. She picks up on the second ring.

“Hey, Harry.”

“Hi, do you have a minute?”

“Sure! Is everything alright with Riley?”

“Yeah…this isn’t about her. It’s more of a personal matter.”

“Oh…what’s up?”

“Niall and I are chaperoning the football game tomorrow night. All of the faculty take turns doing it. We just walk around and make sure no one’s drinking underage. We were wondering if you’d like to join us. We’d be going to the pub after most likely too.”

“I don’t know if I should. Riley and Ben are going to the game, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m hovering around them, you know?”

Niall gestures for the phone and snatches it from Harry.

“Y/N? It’s Niall. Enough excuses, yeah? You’re coming out with us tomorrow night, and that’s final. You need to get more involved with student life.”

“I’m plenty involved!”

“You import and export donor data all day. I bet your kids won’t care.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Y/N did think about it, and then she asked Riley and Ben how they’d feel if she went. They said as long as she wasn’t up their butts they wouldn’t mind. It made things easier for her to drive them there at least. She watches as they meet up with Chris and essentially run off from her. She sighs and looks around for Niall and Harry, suddenly feeling like a loner.

“Oi, there she is!” Niall shouts, handing her a hot chocolate. “This should warm you up quick. You look cold.”

“I didn’t think it would be chilly enough for gloves.” She chuckles. “Thank you.”

“So, basically we just walk around, but we get to enjoy the game for the most part.” Harry explains.

“Is our team any good?”

“We’re decent, yeah. Think our lacrosse players are better to be honest, but they don’t get as much recognition.”

Y/N nods and takes a careful sip of her warm drink. She walks around with the guys, mostly listening to them talk in their accents. It was sort of fun to see all of the parents, staff, faculty, and students at the game cheering the team on.

“See that one, number 11?” Harry says to her, pointing towards the field. “That’s Austin, he asked Riley to come to the game. They’re in my bio class together. I think she likes him.”

“How can you tell?”

“I catch her looking at him from time to time. I might be wicked and assign them a project to work on together.”

“Teachers actually do that?!”

“Oh, sure.” Niall says. “I switch up the seating chart once a term just so I can pair people up. It’s pretty interesting to see what happens.”

“The students gossip to us all the time too.” Harry laughs. “They have no problem sharing personal information.”

“So…you think he might like Riley back?”

“I have no idea, he sits in front of her, and mostly just takes notes.”

“Is he nice?”

“He’s not a dolt if that’s what you’re asking. Definitely not your classic meathead, not to worry, Y/N.”

Y/N nods, and keeps walking around with the guys. The team wins, and everyone cheers. Riley, Ben, and Chris find her in the crowd of people near the exit.

“Mum, can we bowling?” Riley asks.

“With who?”

“Me, Miss Y/L/N.” Chris says and you raise your eyebrows. “Okay, and some of the cheerleaders and football players, but it’ll be fun! It’s cosmic bowling night. My dad said he could drive.”

“Please, Mum.” Ben pouts, and you roll your eyes.

“Alright.” She sighs, and takes her wallet out of her small sling bag. “Here’s some money, have fun. Home by ten, do you hear me? I’ll be out for a bit myself, just in case you get back before me.”

“Where are you going?” Riley asks.

“I’ve made some friends of my own.” She grins. “Go on, have fun.”

“Thank you!” They all say and head off.

“I can follow you both to the pub.” Y/N tells Niall and Harry, and they all walk to the parking lot.

She feels a little nervous going out with them. She had made a few friends so far, mostly her colleagues that she saw every day. There was this weird divide between faculty and staff, so she had noticed. So, Y/N wasn’t sure how welcomed she would be by the others they were meeting up with. She takes a deep breath before getting out of her car, and meeting Harry and Niall at entrance.

“You’re gonna love this place.” Harry says, putting a hand on her shoulder as they go inside. He leads her to a table where a few people were sitting already. “Oi, everyone, this is Y/N, she works in the development office.”

They all look at her and smile, saying hello. Niall takes his seat, and Harry has you sit between the two of them. Y/N learns the names of some other faculty members. Shane, Lora, and Jess. None of them had Y/N’s kids in class so she could rest easier. She found Harry and Niall to be hilarious, often almost choking on her drinks from laughter. She notices that Harry’s rolled his sleeves up, and can’t help but look at his tattoos. He explains a few of them to her. Around 10:05 she got a text from Riley.

Riley: just got in, thanks again for letting us go, it was amazing! When are you home??

Y/N: soon, baby, thanks for checking in

“Well, I should probably get going.” She says to Harry. “My kids just got home, and I don’t like leaving them alone too long when it’s late.”

“Fair enough, can I walk you to your car?” He says, leaning in a little bit. “Just so I know you left safely.”

“Sure, um, that’d be great.” She throws some bills on the table to take care of her tab. “Thank you all so much, I had a great time.”

“See ya, Y/N!” Niall says with a smile. She misses the wink he gives Harry, and Harry mouths ‘be cool’ at him.

“M’just gonna walk her to her car, I’ll be right back.” Harry says, addressing the group before heading out the door with Y/N. “You’re good to drive, right?” He says as they both walk outside.

“Of course, I only had, like, two drinks. You saw me nursing them.”

“Alright, just wanted to be sure.” He watches her fish for her keys out of her bag. “I’m glad you came out tonight.” He rubs the back of his neck. “You’re a lot of fun to be around.”

“Aw, thanks, you’re fun to be around too.” She smiles, biting her bottom lip. He can’t help but let his eyes drift to it.

“Are you in a rush to get home?”

“Well…I…”

“It’s not like they need you to tuck them in, right?”

“N-no…” She raises an eyebrow at him. “Are you…are you making a pass at me?” She was backed up against her car with him a comfortable foot away from her, but she was starting to feel warm.

“Maybe.” He shrugs, stepping a little closer. “Would you feel uncomfortable if I was?” She shakes her head no and swallows.

“Do you do this with all your students’ mums?” She smirks, gaining some confidence back.

“Well, considering that I was in a four year long relationship up until six months ago, I can confidentially say no.” She opens her mouth and smirks. “And no, I don’t usually do this with colleagues either.”

“So…why with me then?”

“You’re cute.” He grins.

“Harry, I…I’m not really looking for anything serious right now, I’ve just started a new job, I bought my own house, I’m juggling teenagers, I can’t start up a relationship.”

“I don’t think I asked you for that. In fact, I haven’t asked for anything, yet.” He says smugly. “M’not looking for anything serious either.”

“Alright, what do you want from me then?” He shifts his weight to his other hip, and just looks at her. Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open. She looks around, and steps closer to him, barely any space between them now. “You…you want to have sex with me?”

“Why do you sound so surprised? I think you’ve really got it going on.”

“Seriously?”

“Sure, you really know how to fill out a pair of jeans. Your bum looked awfully cute at homecoming.”

“All this coming from the guy who was about ready to murder me for almost scratching his car.” She scoffs.

“I have apologized for that over and over, but clearly my words mean nothing to you…” He puts his hand on her shoulder. “Maybe there’s something else I could do to make it up to you.”

“You’re my kid’s teacher, Harry.”

“Not after 2PM I’m not. Right now I’m just a guy who wants to fuck you.”

“I can’t go back to your place with you right now.”

“My car’s got tinted windows and a spacious back seat.”

“How…how old are you, anyways? I mean, I’m thirty-three, Harry, and you’re a little baby faced. I’m not one of those people who-“

“I’m twenty-nine. Do you wanna go fuck in my car or not? It’s okay if you don’t, I’m not trying to pressure you, but it’s bloody cold out here and I wouldn’t mind warming up.”

Y/N hadn’t had sex with someone in since the last time her and Joseph had sex, which was a few years ago. She also couldn’t remember the last time she had sex in a car, probably when she was a teenager. Was she really about to do this with some she had just started to become decent friends with? Was this is the only reason he wanted to be friends with her?

“Is the only reason you’ve been wanting to invite me out? To get my pants off?”

“No! I genuinely think you’re nice to be around, but I also wouldn’t mind getting your pants off.” He smirks.

“Okay.” She nods. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

“Really?”

“Quickly, before I change my mind.” He grabs her by the wrist and tugs her towards his car. He unlocks his car and he lets her get in first. He reaches forward to turn the car on so the heat is on and there’s a little music playing. He goes to cup her cheek, and she backs away. “I’m a little nervous.”

“We don’t have to do anything crazy if you don’t want. We could just kiss if you like.”

“I just…it’s been a while for me, you know? Like, a long while, so…I want to, I’m just nervous.”

“How can I help you relax?”

“I guess…um…could I sit on your lap and maybe we could hug for a bit?”

“Sure.” He nods.

She moves to straddle him, and she wraps her arms around his neck. His go around her back, and he rubs her soothingly. He gets a good whiff of her perfume, and it makes him smile.

“Comfortable?” He asks softly. She hums her response and he holds her a little tighter. “I like whatever perfume you’re wearing.” He feels her giggle against him.

“It’s just apple spice.” She mutters into his neck, and moves to look at him. “Nothing special.”

“Well, I like it.” He tucks some hair behind her ear. “Would it be alright If I kissed you now?”

“Yeah.” She smiles.

He licks his lips and presses them to hers. Her eyes flutter closed and she tugs at his hair. His hands squeeze her hips as the kiss deepens. He sucks on her bottom lip, and it makes her whimper. She rolls her hips down on his and he grunts. He kisses sloppily from her mouth, to her jaw, and to her neck. He mouths at her neck, full well knowing he can’t leave a mark, but it doesn’t stop him from licking and sucking a little over the area. She tugs at his hair a little harder and continues grinding against him, feeling his bulge getting harder. His lips move back to hers as his hands roam up her front, hesitating before reaching her breasts. She takes his hands and puts them over her boobs, squeezing his hands over them. He takes over from there, kneading them as best he could over her coat.

She gets frustrated, and get shimmies her coat off. He’s happy to see her nipples peeking through her shirt. He moves to suck on it through the material and she gasps. Her chest was heaving when he came off and looked up at her. Her hands move to unbutton her jeans, and he wastes no time sticking his hand inside. Instead of smirking when he feels how wet she is, he presses his lips back to hers, loving knowing that he was turning her on this much. His fingers move along her folds, and he slips his middle finger inside her gently. He groans when he feels how tight she is.

“Christ, you weren’t kidding. Do you never use anything at home?”

“Who the fuck has the time?!” She huffs as he starts bringing his finger in and out. “M’too exhausted half the time, and even when they’re gone I just do something quick.” A moan leaves her lips when his thumb starts to circle around her clit. Her forehead presses against his, and her eyes pinch closed.

He gets his ring finger inside her as well, and he curls them both up. She moves back and forth on him, riding his fingers. She makes fists with his shirt, and she starts panting. He groans from watching her, and just from the way she feels. He pets against her g-spot, and his thumb works into her clit.

“Oh, oh my god.” She says, biting her bottom lip. “I…I think I’m gonna come.” He doesn’t let up on her, doing his best to get her there. Her whimpers and whines were just egging him on. “Oh, shit, oh, shit!” She cries out as she comes around his fingers. He works her through it, and then retracts his fingers, sucking on them while making eye contact with her.

“Well?” He smirks.

“Do you have any condoms?”

“Yeah, get your pants the rest of the way off.” He lifts her off of him and places her on the seat while he reaches forward into the console, and grabs a condom.

“Aren’t you a little old to be leaving condoms in your car?” She says as he slips her jeans and underwear off.

“Wouldn’t be able to fuck you if I didn’t, would I?” He winks, and undoes his belt and jeans. “Think you’ll be able to ride me reverse, or do you need to go missionary to ease you into it.”

“Don’t be an asshole, I know how to have sex, it’s just bene a while.”

“I wasn’t! I don’t wanna hurt you.” Her eyes widen as he pulls his hard dick from his boxers, rolling the condom on.

“You think you’re the first guy with a larger prick to fuck me? Think I can handle it.”

“Now who’s being the asshole?” He chuckles and grabs her to bring her back to his lap, her back pressed to his chest. He reaches around to rub on her to make sure she’s still wet. “You want this still?”

“Yeah.” She lifts her hips and he lines himself with her, pressing up into center. It’s a tight squeeze, like she thought it would be, but she does her best to relax around him. She nearly shrieks once she’s sat fully on him.

“I’m gonna make you feel so fucking good.” He says into her ear before nibbling on her earlobe.

She hooks an arm around his head while he grips her hips, and her head falls back to his shoulder. He thrusts up into her while rubbing on her clit, and her mouth falls open. She hadn’t felt this good in a long time, this was incredible. She tugs on his hair and helps herself move on him so he doesn’t have to do as much work. He frees up one of his hands to grip and squeeze one of her breasts. She looks up at him and yanks his head down to hers. She licks into his mouth and he moans into her. He sucks on her tongue and her eyes roll back. Between that, his fingers on her slit, and his dick fucking up into her, she was about ready to lose it again. She pants into his mouth as she comes again. He thrusts begin to get sloppy, and then he’s spilling into the condom. They sit there for a moment catching their breaths before she moves off him.

They both get dressed, and Harry throws the condom into a nearby trashcan as he walks her back to her car. Her face was flushed, and she for sure looked like a mess, but she felt good. He cups her cheeks and backs her up against the driver’s side door, kissing her tenderly.

“That was fun.” He says.

“Yeah.” She breathes and looks down at her watch. It was already 11:30. “Shit, I really need to get home. Ben gets worried when I’m out late.”

“Sweet kid.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Well, get home safe and all that.”

“You too.” She smiles and opens her car door. He closes it for her once she’s inside, and she starts the car.

As Y/N drives home it starts to hit her what she just did. She just fucked her child’s biology teacher, who she also happens to technically work with. Never in her life had she done something like this. Maybe in her younger days she would have done something this rebellious, but she had grown up a lot, and she was a professional now. She takes a deep breath before keying into her home. She sighs when she sees the light from the TV coming from the living room. Riley and Ben were passed out on the couch.

“Hey, kids.” She coos. “Wake up, I’m home.”

“Mum?” Ben says sleepily. “Where were you?”

“I…I was out with friends, remember? Um, let’s get you both into bed.”

She turns the TV off as they both slowly make their way upstairs to their bedrooms. Once they’re both in their beds, she goes into her own room, and gasps once she gets a good look at herself in the mirror. Her makeup was smeared, and her hair was a mess.

“Christ, Y/N, what did you do?” She says to herself and sighs.

The next day, Y/N was walking around like she had a stick up her ass. Maybe her body wasn’t quite ready for someone of Harry’s size. Nevertheless, she had to get up and start her day. She got some laundry going, did some dusting, and then made some breakfast for the kids. They both come into the kitchen around 10.

“Can you both put your sheets in the laundry room for me? I’m doing a linen load in a bit.” They both nod as she puts two plates of eggs in front of them. “How was bowling?”

“So much fun!” Riley says. “I actually got a strike, I couldn’t believe it.”

“You did?! How’d you manage that?”

“Um…Austin helped me, you know the one in my bio class? He’s really nice.”

“Riley, I’m happy for you and all, but I don’t know if I want you dating yet.”

“I’m not dating anyone! At least I wasn’t the one who stayed out until nearly midnight doing god knows what.”

“I’m an adult, I can do what I want, that’s one. Two, if you and this boy decide you really like each other, I think it’s only fair I get to meet him.”

“Just because he helped me bowl a ball doesn’t mean anything.” She rolls her eyes.

“What about you, did you have fun?” Y/N sighs as she asks Ben.

“Yeah, I hung out in the arcade, it was sick.”

Just as she was sipping on her coffee, Y/N’s phone goes off. It was in front of Riley and Ben, and Riley furrows her brows.

“Who is it?” Y/N asks.

“Um…Mr. Styles. Why is he calling you?”

“I…I have no idea.” She snatches her phone quickly. “H-hello?”

“Hey, Y/N! Just wanted to see how you were.”

“I’m alright, um, I’m in the kitchen with the kids, could you just give me a second?” She leaves the room and goes down the hall to her home office. “Okay…um, how are you?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I just didn’t wanna be a dick and not call.”

“Well, that’s nice of you.” She blinks a few times.

“So…you feel okay about everything?”

“Yeah! Wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t. Little sore, but other than I’m good.” She chuckles slightly and so does he.

“Well, next time I can be a little gentler…if you’d like there to be a next time, that is.”

“You…you don’t want last night to just have been a one-time thing?”

“Not necessarily, I had a good time with you, and I think you had a good time with me.”

“I just…I don’t know how smart it would be to start something up with my kid’s teacher.”

“Well, you already sort of did…”

“Yes, but I think to continue it would be stupid. I don’t want to do anything that could potentially embarrass her. Riley and Ben are really starting to make friends. They were cool about moving here for me, so I want to be-“

“It’s not like we’re dating, Y/N. No one has to know.”

“As if you haven’t told Niall yet.” She scoffs.

“I mean he was curious as to why I didn’t come back to the bar last night, but I didn’t give him the full details. He knows how to keep things to himself.” He pauses for a moment. “Look, I get it, you’re just trying to be a good mum, I can admire that. But after a certain point you need to remember that it’s okay to do things for yourself.”

“Like fuck a guy in a parking lot?”

“Exactly!” He laughs. “You’re still so young, why not let yourself have some fun?

“Harry…”

“All I’m saying is, if you’re ever lonely, or if you can’t sleep…you can call me.”

“I’ll…I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to them. Probably wondering what we’re talking about.”

“Yeah.”

“Have a good rest of your weekend.”

“You too.”

She hangs up, completely shocked by the conversation she just had with Harry. She goes back out to the kitchen where the kids were waiting with raised eyebrows.

“What did Mr. Styles want?” Riley asks.

“Oh, um, someone left their wallet at the restaurant we all went to last night, that’s all. He was trying to figure out who it belongs to.”

“There was no ID in it?” Ben asks.

“Apparently not.” Y/N shrugs.

At first, Y/N wasn’t sure if she wanted to take Harry up on his offer. She genuinely didn’t want to make things difficult for Riley. When mid-November rolled around, it was time for parent-teacher conferences. These were the more serious one on one meetings before the holiday season to make sure students would be able to pass all of their classes. More often than not Y/N found herself meeting with Ben’s teachers than with Riley’s, but Y/N wanted to check in with everyone to make sure her kids were acclimating to the new school fine. What she wasn’t expecting was for Joseph to want to come to the conferences as well. She got away with blushing a little when they saw Niall. He didn’t make anything awkward, but it was when they made their way to Harry’s room that she was starting to feel like she wanted to vomit. The door swings open and two people walk out. Harry steps out and looks into the hallway, smiling when he sees you, then frowning when he sees Joseph.

“Mr. Davidson! How nice to see you again, please come in.” Harry says, gesturing to step inside. “Hi, Y/N.”

“Hi, Harry.”

“You can call me Joseph.” Joseph says as he sits down and Harry nods.

Harry and Y/N make eye contact briefly, and then he clears his throat.

“Well, I’m not sure why Riley signed you both up.” Harry chuckles. “She’s doing exceptionally well, and not just in my class. She’s a bright girl.” He takes out a few of her lab reports. “The first semester tends to be easier since we’re learning more about plants and those types of organism. Next semester we get into zoology and human anatomy. I always make it known there’s study groups and after school help. I try to make it as engaging and fun as I can. We even play a few rounds of operation.”

This makes you smile as Joseph furrows his brows at Riley’s lab reports. He nods along with what Harry is saying.

“I’m glad she’s doing so well. She was sort of a big fish in a small pond at her last school.” Joseph says. “I was a little worried she’d feel overwhelmed. This transition for them was really abrupt.”

“They had most of the summer to get used to things.” Y/N says, rolling her eyes. “This isn’t a snotty school either, the teacher’s actually help the students succeed.”

“I’m just saying-“

“Listen.” Harry cuts in. “Seems like you two might have some things to discuss that don’t really involve me. Riley’s doing great, and Niall tells me Ben’s doing just as great. Nothing really more to it.”

Joseph nearly had a decade on Harry, but Harry owned this room. Having Joseph be put in his place definitely did something for Y/N. She can’t help but smirk as Joseph sits up straight.

“Yes, well…thank you. We’ll make sure to relay the message to them.” He says and Harry nods. Joseph stands up, as does Y/N.

“Y/N, did you happen to drive separately? An alum emailed me today, and I have a couple of questions about our donation site.”

“Oh! Sure, I can stay a few moments.” She looks a Joseph. He stands there for a moment, looking between the two of them.

“Goodnight.” He says, and out the door he goes.

“So…what’s your question?”

“I didn’t actually have one.” Harry smirks at her and she blushes.

“Oh.”

“You seemed uncomfortable with him here.”

“I don’t exactly enjoy his company anymore.” She sits slightly on his desk.

“I know, shit like that is just awkward. Francie and I still have some mutual friends, and we’ve had to be at a few of the same parties since the breakup.”

“Can I ask…I mean, you said you were together for four years and engaged…what happened?”

“Why don’t we have this conversation over drinks?” He stands up, grabbing his keys and jacket.

“Harry…it’s a school night.”

“And? It’s only seven. Not like we’re gonna be out all night are we?”

“I have two kids at home.”

“You have two teenagers at home. Come on, just one drink and I’ll tell you everything.”

“And then what?”

“Whatever you want.” He winks and leads you out the door.

Y/N texted the kids to let them know she was just grabbing a quick bite, and that she was very proud of their hard work. She followed Harry to a pub, and they grab a booth inside. They each order a drink and munch on some popcorn.

“Alright.” He sighs. “So I was with Francie for four years, and we were engaged for all of five months. It was working out great, we were living together, had a couple of pets, you name it. She works for this tech company, right? So, she got promoted, which was great, but it would have involved her to start traveling a lot, and eventually moving to New York. I didn’t want to move, and she didn’t want to do long distance.”

“Why didn’t you want to move? You could have found another school to work at…”

“It was the principal of the thing! She didn’t even ask, she just expected it, like her job was more important than mine. We started arguing more and more, and when I asked her why we couldn’t just try long distance she said that would make things difficult to start a family, and I said we already had a family, and that opened up a can of worms. She wanted kids and I didn’t. After that we ended it. She took our dog and cat, and left.”

“She took the pets?!”

“Yup! Left me the ring though.” He scoffs.

“Wait…so you don’t want kids?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I love kids, I love babies especially. But…I just don’t see myself being a dad.” He shrugs. “It’s a lot of responsibility, a lot of money too. I don’t know if I could take care of someone else. And maybe…when she said it…I had this thought of if I did want kids I wasn’t sure if wanted her to be the mother of them.”

“It took you that long to have that kind of conversation?”

“What about you? Did you and your ex have a proper discussion about it?”

“No, he knocked me up, proposed later that year, and we got married in a courthouse while I was seven months pregnant.” She finishes her drink. “Just like a fairytale. Then when he promised we could have a real wedding, I got pregnant with Ben, and all that money went to him. S’alright, though, it would have been a waste of money.”

“Can I ask why you got divorced?”

“Well, the age difference was one thing. He’s seven years older than me, which may not seem like much, but it was. I felt like I couldn’t talk to him sometimes. Then he decided to cheat on me with some other young thing, so we went from separated to divorced real quick.”

“I’m so sorry.” He frowns slightly.

“Don’t be, it was a while ago. I think things worked out for the best. We’re all doing better now.”

“I think it’s admirable that you’ve turned your life around the way you have.”

“Thanks.” She smiles and he finishes off his drink. Once they pay their tab they head out. “I think it’s too cold to do what we did last time.”

“And I couldn’t persuade you to come back to my place for a bit?”

She looks down at her watch and sees it’s already 8:30. She sighs, biting her bottom lip.

“I…I want to, and if I didn’t have two kids at home waiting for me I would. Maybe…maybe you should find someone else to be your little fuck buddy. I’m not easy to be with.”

“Maybe that’s what I like about you.” He says, leaning forward so his lips brush yours, kissing you quickly before backing away. “Have a good night, Y/N.”

She groans once she’s in the car. When she gets home both Riley and Ben are in their rooms unwinding. She says hello and goes to her own room to get ready for bed. Y/N wonders what she would have done with Harry at his place. How he would have touched her and kissed her all over. She sighs and gets into bed, aggravated as fuck.

It was Thanksgiving weekend when Y/N took her next shot with Harry. The kids spent Thanksgiving day with her, and they had the rest of the weekend to be with Joseph. When Saturday night rolled around she was bored and lonely, so she called him.

“Hi, Harry.”

“Hi, Y/N. Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?”

“I did…although, I have way too many leftovers.”

“You don’t say?”

“Yeah! Um, you wouldn’t happen to be hungry, would you?”

“Starved.”

“Great, well, if you’d like to come over you can.”

“I can be there within the house. Just text me your address.”

He had assumed Riley and Ben weren’t home. He needed to take a quick shower before coming to see her, and she needed to do the same. She wanted to be as fresh as possible for him. When she heard the doorbell, she raced down the stairs to open it.

“So, I can heat up whatever-mph!” He had gripped her cheeks and pulled her into him, kissing her passionately.

“I didn’t actually come here to eat.” He breathes. “Well, I did…but not food.” He smirks and lifts her up. She wraps her legs around his waist and kisses on his neck as he carries her upstairs. “Where’s your bedroom?”

“Last door on the right.” She mumbles into his hot skin.

He gets her in the bedroom, and sets her down. He starts taking his clothes off, and she does the same. He knees onto the bed to hover over her, and he kisses her, sucking on her bottom lip.

“Glad you finally called me for this.” He says as he licks around her nipple.

“You could have called me.”

“Didn’t want to look any more desperate.”

He nips at her stomach as he works his way down, giving her little to no warning before he licks into her. She gasps, gripping onto his hair. She bites her bottom lip as she feels his warm tongue lapping away at her. He sucks on her clit and slips two fingers inside her.

“When was the last time someone made you feel this good, hm? When was the last time someone made you this wet?”

“Wh-whenever the first time we hooked up was.” She whimpers.

“And before that?” He kitten licks at her clit now.

“God, I have no idea!” She moans out as his fingers pet inside her against her g-spot. He struggles to get a third finger in, so he doesn’t bother.

“Tighter than a fucking finger trap you know that?”

“I told you, I don’t make time to-oh!”

He started sucking on her clit again, and pumping his fingers quickly. She was squirming underneath him, panting and moaning loudly. She cries out as she comes, and he pumps his fingers slowly as her hips move along with his motions.

“Condoms?” He asks when he pops up.

“You don’t me to, um…?”

“Another time, I don’t think I’d last very long if you sucked on me.” He had been rutting himself against the mattress. She nods and reaches into her bedside drawer for a condom she toss it to him and watches as he rolls it on. “Roll over.”

She does as he says, and gets on her elbows and knees for him. He grips her hips, and lines himself up with her, pushing inside. It’s a tight squeeze, but he gets in no problem. They both moan out from the feeling. He reaches around to rub her clit, and she collapses onto the bed.

“God, just do what you want with me, Harry.” She grunts, and he moans from behind her.

“You’re so fucking sexy, you have no idea. Come for me, Y/N, come on.”

She cries out into her pillow, and he spills into the condom. Somehow after they both got cleaned up they ended up back in bed together. Harry through his arm around Y/N and pulled her to his chest.

“What are you doing?” She giggles.

“Cuddling you.”

“Why?”

“Because I feel like it.”

She laughs, but doesn’t fight him on it. Then…they fell asleep. It was a total accident, Harry never intended to spend the night. He just wanted to cuddle for a bit before heading out. He was more tired than he thought, and so was she. She nudges him awake.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” He says, knuckling at his eyes.

“It’s okay. Would you like to take a shower with me?”

“I would.” He smiles and gets up with her.

It was the dirtiest shower she had ever taken. He had gotten on his knees to eat her out, and then he lifted her up, fucking her into the bathroom tile wall. She left many scratch marks on his back, and then he came on her stomach. They got cleaned up for real after that, and headed downstairs for some coffee. Just as she was about to offer him some breakfast, she heard the front door open.

“Oh my god!” She whisper screams. “They’re not supposed to be back until later!”

“Be cool, Y/N.” Harry says.

“But-“

“Mum, we’re…Mr. Styles?” Riley says as she comes in with Ben. “What…what’s going on?”

“I should ask you the same. Why’s your father bring you back so soon?”

“We asked if he could.” Ben says. “Can only handle so much of his girlfriend.”

“So…Mr. Styles, um, no offense, but what are you doing here?”

“Well, your mum just so happens to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She had all these leftovers and asked me if I’d like any, and I said yes. I may be a Brit, but I love Thanksgiving dishes. So I came right over. Just got here a couple minutes before you did.”

“Yeah, I was just about to pull the food out. Why don’t you two go put your things away?”

Riley furrows her brows, but shrugs it off, and goes with Ben upstairs.

“You’re quick on your feet.”

“Wasn’t a total lie.” Harry says, finishing his coffee. “I better get going.” She walks him to the front door, and he gives her a sneaky kiss along with a bum squeeze. “See you soon, I hope.”

“Definitely.” She smiles. “Bye.” She opens the door for him and out he goes. She sighs happily, and goes into the kitchen to make a little breakfast.

Riley was a little suspicious after that morning. She spent most mornings in homeroom analyzing Harry’s features. He was his usual chipper self, but there was certainly an extra pep in his step. Then in biology it was the same thing.

“Riley?” Austin was standing in front of her desk, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Oh, hey.” She smiles. “What’s up?”

“Are you free this Friday?”

“I…I think so.”

“Would you wanna go to the movies?” He runs a hand through his hair and she swallows.

“This is gonna sound really lame, but I need to ask my mom first.”

He chuckles slightly at that.

“No worries, let me know if she says yes.”

“I will.” Austin goes to his seat, and Riley looks at Chris who was giving her a thumbs up.

“Alright, if we could all settle down?” Harry says. “Today we’re going over fungi cells so I need all of your attention on me.”

Harry liked attention in general, probably one of the reasons he wanted to be a teacher in the first place. He just happened to also enjoy biology and he was good at explaining it to the youths. During class Riley felt her phone buzz, and saw she had a text from Ben.

Ben: reminder that I have a doctor’s appointment, so you have to wait after school for Mum to come get you

Riley: okay thanks, I’ll just go to the library to wait for her

“Riley!” She snaps her eyes up at the harsh tone from her teacher. “Is that your phone?”

“Y-yes…I’m sorry, Mr. Styles, my brother-“

“I don’t care.” He shakes his head. “You know the policy.” He gestures for her to give it to him.

“But he was just-“

“Is it an emergency?”

“No.”

“Alright then, give it here.” Everyone was looking at her, and it made her face flush. She gets up and walks towards him to hand over her phone. He takes it puts it in his desk drawer. “You can have it back after class.”

She nods, and goes back to her seat. After class she walks out, completely forgetting she had her phone taken away. She gets settled in the library, and gets some homework done. She was there for over an hour until Y/N showed up in a huff.

“Riley Davidson, I’ve been calling you for fifteen minutes!”

“Mum, be quiet!”

“If your brother hadn’t told me you were in the library I never would have found you. Where the hell is your phone?”

“It’s…oh shit.” She says as she packs up.

“What?”

“I forgot that Mr. Styles took it from me.”

“He what?!”

“Ben texted me while I was in class, and I texted back. He caught me, and took it away from me. It’s the policy.”

“I don’t give a fuck, that’s your property. Come on, hopefully he’s still here.”

He was. When they walk in, he was writing something on the whiteboard, furrowing his eyebrows. Looked like it was a chemistry equation. Y/N clears her throat to get his attention.

“Oh, hello ladies.”

“Where do you get off taking my daughter’s phone?”

“Oh! I completely forgot about that. You left right after class, Riley.” Harry goes into his desk and grabs the phone. “Here you are.”

“Thanks.” She says as she swipes through to check any notifications she may have missed.

“It’s the policy, Y/N.”

“What if I got in a car accident and someone needed to reach her? Then what?”

“Did that happen?” He crosses his arms.

“No, but it could have.”

“But it didn’t. There’s no texting in class, no phone use of any kind, actually.”

“Mum, it’s fine, we can-“

“Excuse me, but that’s her property. If I need to get in touch with her, or if her brother does, then she should be able to send a quick text. It’s not like she was scrolling through Instagram.”

“But she could have been.”

“But she wasn’t!”

“Maybe you should hover over a little less, hm? Kids rely on their phones so much because their parents are constantly trying to see what they’re up to.”

Y/N takes her keys out from her purse, and hands them to Riley.

“I’m parked out front, go start the car for me. I’ll be just be another minute.” Riley nods and leaves quickly, knowing how bad it can be to be scolded by her mother. She certainly didn’t want to watch her favorite teacher get bitched out. “You don’t have kids, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand-“

“I have dozens of kids, actually. Ones that come to see me to talk to me about their problems, I’m also always studying trends of the today’s students, so don’t stand there and-“

“Do not interrupt me when I’m speaking.” She says firmly, and he closes his mouth. “You may speak when I’m finished, Mr. Styles. I’m a single mom doing my best for my kids. I will not be lectured in front of my daughter about being a helicopter parents because I’m not. However, I’m doing the job of two while my ex gets to be a weekend dad, who my kids don’t even want to see. It’s my fault Ben texted her at the time he did, alright? I asked him to remind her that I wouldn’t be picking her up until later because I had to take him to a doctor’s appointment.”

“May I?” She gestures that he can speak. “She didn’t need to text him back right then. It’s the school policy to take a phone away if we see it out, I was just doing my job.”

“Well, you should have remembered you took it so you could have given it back to her! I was sitting in the car for nearly twenty minutes waiting for her, I was starting to get worried.” Y/N pouts, and even though this was a very serious matter, Harry couldn’t help notice the blood starting to flow right to his prick.

“I’m very sorry about that.” He puts his hand on her shoulder, and she glances at it before looking at him. “I take ownership for that mistake. I feel terrible that I even caused an ounce of worry. If there’s anything I can do to make it better, please let me know.” His tone was condescending and seductive all at the same time.

She places her hand on his and removes it from her shoulder.

“Have a nice evening.” She says.

“Same to you.” He smirks.

Y/N makes her way to her car, and sighs heavily once she’s in there with Riley.

“Please don’t tell me you just yelled at him. He’s my favorite teacher, Mum.”

“No, we had a very adult conversation, and he apologized for not giving you back your phone when he should have after class.”

“I guess I could’ve waited to text Ben back. I’m sorry I caused all this.”

“It’s not your fault, honey, it’s fine.” She smiles at her daughter and they make their way home.

“I…I was asked to the movies this Friday, can I go?”

“With who?”

“Austin.”

“I’d like him to come to the house first so I can meet him properly. You’ve been hanging out in groups with him. Would this be one on one?”

“I think so. I can ask him if he minds coming inside first before we go.”

“That would be great.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Are you…are you and Mr. Styles, like, seeing each other?”

“What would ever give you that idea?!”

“I just think it’s weird that he was at our house.”

“We’ve become friends, you know I hang out with him and Mr. Horan sometimes.”

“Yeah, but Mr. Horan wasn’t there. It was just you and Mr. Styles, and you both had wet hair.”

“I had showered before he swung by, he must have done the same.” Y/N shrugs. “We’re just friends, honey, nothing more.”

“Okay.”

Y/N could tell Riley didn’t quite believe her, but she knew her daughter wouldn’t press her on it more for now. Not if she wanted to go to the movies with Austin.

“It’s nice to meet you, uh-“

“You can just call me Miss Y/L/N, it’s nice to meet you too, Austin.” Y/N smiles. They were all standing in the front hall. “So…it’s just you two going to the movies?”

“That’s the plan.” He says with an innocent smile.

“Have her home by 10:30, please.”

“Can do.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

“Have fun.” She sighs and turns around to Ben. “What about you? No plans?”

“Not tonight. I was just gonna play video games.”

“Well, if you’d like to have a friend over-“ Her cell phone goes off and she furrows her brows. “One second, sweetie.” She goes into the kitchen for some more privacy. “Harry?”

“Hey, what are you up to tonight?”

“Hanging out with my son…why?”

“Oh, they’re not with their dad this weekend?”

“No, they were with him last weekend.” She sighs.

“Damn.”

“Why?”

“Well, Niall and a few other people were gonna go to this place where you can throw axes, and we thought you’d like to come.”

“That sounds like…fun? Um, but I can’t just leave Ben here alone. I’d feel terrible since Riley’s out.”

“Hey, Mum?”

“Honey, I’m on the phone.”

“I know, sorry, Kyle just texted me and asked me if I wanted to sleep over. I know it’s last minute, but-“

“You can go! You can definitely go, I’ll even drop you off.”

“You’re the best! I’m gonna go pack up my stuff.” Ben races out of the kitchen.

“Guess that just solved itself.” Harry says.

“Guess so.”

“Let me come pick you up. Text me when you get back from dropping him off, yeah?”

“Alright.”

Y/N gets herself ready, and then drives Ben to Kyle’s house for his sleepover.

“Why do you look so nice?” He asks on the way there.

“Well, I made plans with my own friends since you and Riley are out. Is that okay?” She chuckles.

“S’fine.” He shrugs. “Feel like you’ve been going out a lot lately. Are you, like, dating?”

“No, baby, I’m not dating. But I am making good friends, which has been nice. I didn’t have many friends back in our old town. Too many judgey moms.” She pulls up to Kyle’s house. “Have a great time, call me if you need me.”

“I will, thanks!”

She watches Ben go inside, and then she makes her way back home to wait for Harry. She liked his car a lot, and it would be nice to actually go for a drive in it, instead of just riding him in it. Y/N was shocked when she heard the doorbell.

“You didn’t have to come to the door.” She says as she steps outside.

“Sure I did. I may be just trying to fuck, but I’m a gentleman at the end of the day.” He smirks as he opens the car door for her. She rolls her eyes at him, and climbs in.

“This really is a nice car.” She says as she looks around.

“Saved up a long time for it.” He places his hand on her thigh as he backs out of the driveway, and he keeps it there.

“So, an axe throwing place?”

“It’s all the rage right now. You can drink and throw axes, it’s pretty cool. I’ve been once before it’s a hoot.” He chuckles and squeezes her thigh slightly. “I’m glad you were able to get out for a bit.”

“Me too.”

She lets him keep his hand on her leg for the entire ride as they chat over the music. He parks the car, and gets out, jogging around to the other side to open the door for her. She smiles at him, and they both head inside. He even gets them their drinks from the bar. It was starting to feel like a date, especially when she only saw Niall with one other person, some woman she had yet to meet.

“Y/N, this is my girlfriend Anna.” Niall says.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Y/N says to her. Harry comes over and hands her a drink. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. We all set?” He asks Niall.

“Yeah, we all just need to sign the release forms.”

They all sign and are brought over to the axe throwing area. They’re told how to do it, and they get going. Harry and Niall go first, and of course their axes stick. Y/N takes a deep breath, and throws her, but it doesn’t stick.

“That’s alright, give it another go.” Harry encourages her.

“I…I don’t think I threw it quite right.” She says to him.

“Would you like some help?” She nods yes at him and he steps closer to her, putting his hand on her back. “You need to release from this point, okay? Give it all you got.” He steps back and lets her throw it. It sticks and she squeals, turning to hug him. “I knew you could do it!”

Anna hits her target as well. The four of them were having a great time. Once their time is up, they all grab table for food. Y/N checks her phone, it was just about nine. No texts from the kids. She hoped Riley was having a nice time on her date, and that Austin was being respectful during their movie.

“Miss?” The waitress says to her.

“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry. Um…” She looks at the menu and then to Harry. Everyone else had clearly ordered.

“She’ll have the same as me, thanks, love.” Harry hands the waitress the menus and then looks at Y/N. “You like turkey burgers, right?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. My daughter’s on her first date, and I was just checking my phone to see if she had text me or anything.”

“You have a daughter that’s old enough to date?!” Anna says, shocked. “What’s your secret, girl? You look fantastic!” She laughs, and so does everyone else.

“I was a young mum, nothing more than that.” Y/N chuckles. “She’s only fourteen, a freshman out with a sophomore boy from her biology class. It’s cute, really, he’s on the football team and she’s been to a few of his games. They’ve been hanging out in groups, but tonight is the first one on one.” She takes a sip of her drink. “Listen to me, it sounds like I’m recapping an episode of The Bachelor.”

“Do you have any other kids, or just the one?” Anna asks.

“I have a son, Ben, he’s thirteen. Niall’s his teacher actually.”

“Yup, great kid. Harry has Y/N’s daughter in class too.” Niall tells her.

“Is that how you two met?” Anna asks, and you smirk.

“No, actually, the three of us met because I parked too close to Harry’s precious car in the staff lot. I work in our development office.” She sips her drink smirking at Harry who had slumped in the booth. “He yelled at me, it was quite the meet cute.”

“Yikes, I’ve never seen Harry yell before.” Anna says. “You’re usually so calm.”

“I’ve had that car for two years, not a scratch on it, and I’d like to keep it that way.” Harry says. “It’s all water under the bridge now.” He puts his arm around Y/N, smiling down at her.

There’s more talking during the meal. Y/N really liked the turkey burger Harry had ordered for her. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. It was about ten, and Y/N wanted to get home before Riley like a responsible adult. She tells Harry this, and he nods.

“It was really nice meeting you, Anna.” Y/N tells her again.

“Same to you, have a nice night.” They all part ways in the parking lot. “Oh, I like her so much better than Francie already.” She tells Niall.

“Me too.” Niall sighs. “But you know they’re not really dating.”

“I know, I know, but this was a very nice glimpse for them to see what a date could be like. They were so cute with each other.”

“I agree, I just think Harry’s still on the rebound. I also don’t think he’s mature enough to be dating a woman with two teenagers. Little kids maybe, but teenagers? That’s a lot to take on. Besides, what if he wants kids? Y/N’s in her early thirties, she probably wouldn’t want more.”

“Isn’t that what Harry and Francie broke up over? She wanted kids and he didn’t.” Anna shrugs. “Let them figure it out.”

Y/N and Harry were parked in her driveway making out. The damn console was in the way, but he was still able to get his tongue into her mouth. Her hands were in his hair, tugging him closer to her even though she knew she needed to get out of the car.

“Harry.” She breathes as he starts kissing on her neck. “I…I need to go inside. I can’t be out here like this when Riley gets home.” She gasps when she feels his teeth nip at her skin, and then he pulls away, almost glaring at her.

“Man, nothing to kill a hard on more than a mention of a student’s name.” He huffs.

“I told you…this might be easier for you if you wanted to fuck someone without kids.”

“Well, I’m kinda hooked on you now, so I can’t do that.” His thumb brushes her bottom lip as he cups her cheek. He leans in to kiss her again. “Do you think we could get together tomorrow since it seems like we can’t fool around tonight?”

“Sure, I have some errands I need to run anyways, so I can add you to the list.” She winks. “I’ll text you.”

“Alright, sounds good.” He chuckles. “I had a lot of fun tonight.”

“So did I, goodnight.” She smiles and hops out of the car. She quickly gets herself inside.

Harry backs out of the driveway just as Austin pulls up with Riley.

“Whoa, who do you know with a range rover?” Austin asks.

“That’s…Mr. Styles’ car.” She swallows as she watches him drive away. “He’s friends with my mom. She texted me saying she was seeing some friends tonight, I guess he drove her.”

“Cool.” Austin says. “I’ll walk you to your door.” He does so, and they linger there for a moment. They hug each other, and he gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Can we do this again sometime?”

“I’d like that.” She smiles.

“Great, well, have a good night.”

“You too. Thanks again.” Her heart soars as she goes inside. She finds Y/N sitting on the couch watching TV.

“How was the movie?”

“Really funny.” Riley plops down next to her. “Where’s Ben?”

“Sleeping at Kyle’s.”

“Oh, nice. So…where did you go tonight?”

“To this axe throwing place. It was fun, look.” She takes her phone and shows Riley a video of her throwing an axe and it sticking to the wooden target.

“Cool! You went there with Mr. Styles?”

“Mhm, and Mr. Horan and his girlfriend Anna.”

“Oh my god, Mum.” Riley gasps. “You went on a double date!”

“I did not.” Y/N scoffs.

“Did Mr. Styles pay for anything?”

“Well…yeah, he did, but he said it was just easier.” Riley gives her a look. “What?”

“Mum, he definitely was making a move!”

“And what do you know about moves, hm?”

“Apparently more than you. You two should go out one on one and see how it goes.”

“I’ve done that with him before.” Y/N shrugs. “We’re just friends, Riley.”

“He drove you tonight, right? I saw him pulling out of the driveway when I got home.”

“He offered to drive, yeah, and I accepted. He’s got a really nice car, thought it would be fun to go for a ride in it.” Y/N blushes slightly, annoyed at her own innuendo. “I’m not dating your teacher, don’t worry.”

“I wouldn’t hate it.” Riley shrugs. “You deserve to have someone, Mum. Dad’s out there with miss thing living what he perceives as his best life, you should do the same.”

“I don’t want to be in a relationship right now.” Y/N sighs. “I don’t have time for it. If Ben hadn’t gone to Kyle’s I wouldn’t have been able to go out tonight.”

“He can stay at home by himself.”

“But I would have felt bad about it. I like being home when you guys are home.”

“We’re not babies, that’s all I’m saying.” She twiddles her thumbs. “Plus, he’s super cute, so-“

“Riley!” Y/N chuckles and throws a pillow at her. “Don’t talk about your teacher like that.”

“He is! I don’t have a crush on him, but anyone with eyes can see how cute he is, Mum.”

“I’ll agree with that, he’s very cute.” She yawns. “Well, now that you’re home I’m gonna go up to bed. Was Austin respectful and all that tonight?”

“Very.” Riley smiles. “He asked me if I wanted to do it again sometime. I’m excited about him.”

“It’s a nice feeling, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Y/N hoped the feeling would never fade for her daughter because she knew all too well how it felt when it does.

The next day, after Ben got dropped off, Y/N told the kids she was going out to run some errands, and asked them to get some chores done while she was gone. She genuinely needed to get some things while she was out, so she did that before going over to Harry’s. It felt odd to be going over to his place in the middle of the day for a dick appointment, as the kids would say, but this was happening. She pulls up to a nice duplex, and she recognizes Niall’s car in the other driveway. She texts Harry that she’s down front, and she sees the front door open on one side. She gets out of her car and greets him.

“Find it alright?” He says to her as he lets her in.

“Mhm, this is a cool place.”

“Thanks, Niall and I bought it together, like, five or so years ago. We fixed up one side and then the other.”

“So he gets one side and you the other?”

“Yup, worked out well. I’ve redecorated recently, for, um, obvious reasons.”

“Right, trust me I know how hard it can be living in the same place where good and bad memories were made.”

“Is that why you came out here?”

“One of the reasons she sighs as she kicks her shoes off. “I needed a fresh start.”

He hums his response as he cups her jaw in his large hands, bringing his lips to hers.

“How long do you have?” He says against her lips.

“An hour at most. I have to go to the grocery store after this.”

“Oh.” He smirks. “You won’t be going to the store after this.”

“Wh-why not?” She swallows.

“Because you’re not gonna be able to walk when I’m done with you.” He bends down and lifts her up over his shoulder and she squeals.

“Harry!” She giggles as he brings upstairs to his room. Fuck, he was strong. “What will I tell my kids when I’m walking funny?”

“Tell them good old Mr. Styles cracked your spine in half, I’m sure that’ll go over well.” He drops her on his bed, and gets his shirt off. She looks up wide eyed at him. “Oh, love, I’m not actually gonna do that.”

“I know, I’ve just never seen your tattoos in the daylight like this. I mean when we showered I sort of did, but…they’re so pretty.”

His features soften and he picks her up again, getting himself on the bed and laying her down. He sucks on her bottom lip as she wraps her arms and legs around him. His hands work to undo her jeans, and he tugs them down past her bum. She kicks them off the rest of the way, and he pets her over her underwear. She moans into his mouth, and his dips his fingers inside, sliding along her slit. She could feel him growing hard against her hip.

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you blow me for a bit?”

“Of course! Lay down.”

He gives her a relieved smile and lays back on the bed. She gets between his legs and does his pants. She gets them off and tugs his boxers down. She kisses his tip first, then gives his shaft kisses before licking him up and down. She looks up at him and sees he’s already watching her. She smirks and wraps her lips around his tip, sinking down on him as much as she could.

“Yeah, just like that.” He groans. “Fuck, you feel so good.”

She moans against him and bobs her head up and down. This wasn’t her favorite thing to do in the world, but she didn’t mind do it for it for Harry since he was so attentive with her. She gets him to the brink of coming, and then he pulls her off of him. He gets her naked, and opens her legs up, diving right in. The flat of his tongue sliding up her center to her clit. He sucks both of her lips, one at a time before focusing on her clit again. Two of his fingers slip inside her, and her eyes roll back. He has her crying out moments later, and before she knows it he’s getting a condom on.

“Can I go on top?” She asks.

“Sure.” He shrugs and lays down, his cock stiff and ready for her.

She swings her leg over him, and rubs his tip over her clit before sinking down on his. His hands grip her hips as she moves around in a circle to get comfortable. She moves herself on and off his cock, enjoying the stretch he’s giving her. When she gets a little tired she comes down to him chest to chest, and kisses him. His hands slide to her ass, and he moves her on him. He thrusts in and out of her, and she moans into his neck.

“Like the way I feel like this?” He grunts.

“Yes, fuck.” She mumbles. Her clit was rubbing against him perfectly, and she was trying to concentrate on that. “Don’t stop what you’re doing.” She tugs at his hair and he nearly growls.

He thrusts into her faster and faster, it has her panting and moaning. His tip was hitting her g-spot, so the whole thing was really overwhelming. She moans out his name loudly as she comes, and he fucks her through it. He lifts her off of him, and sets her down on her stomach. He gets behind her and pushes back inside. She gasps, but it feels good. He fucks her from behind until he comes, and collapses on top of her. He holds her for a moment before pulling out and getting rid of the condom. She uses the bathroom, and gets dressed. He throws on a pair of boxers and a sweatshirt.

“Thanks for adding me to your list of errands.” He says to her as they stand in his front hall. She giggles into his chest as he hugs her and kisses the top of her head.

“My legs are working just fine, by the way. But I’m too tired to go grocery shopping now.”

“Well, you only gave me a bloody hour, love, and you made me come really fast.” He pouts. “Can’t seem to last that long with you.”

“Maybe you should jerk off before I come over next time so you can handle it.” She grins and he rolls his eyes.

“You came twice didn’t you?” She nods yes. “Alright then, quit your complaining. Go on, get outta my house.” He pats her bum and kisses her one more time. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

“You too.” Y/N drove home with a smile on her face the whole way.

Things were like this most weekends, especially when the kids were at Joseph’s. Harry would come over on Friday night instead of Saturday in case he fell asleep. Plus if he stayed the night that meant they could have sex most of the day Saturday, which was really nice. Y/N was having a lot of fun with Harry. Sometimes they’d meet up with Anna and Niall to go bowling, or catch a movie. In a way it felt like dating, but there was absolutely zero pressure. It was the exact companion ship she had hoped for.

When the holidays rolled around, she got the kids for Christmas, and Joseph got them for New Year’s, which meant Y/N could go to the party Harry was having. Apparently it was an annual thing. There were a lot of people from school there so she felt right at home. Y/N hadn’t had a New Year’s kiss in quite some time, so it wasn’t even on her mind until all of the couples migrated towards each other as it got closer to midnight.

Harry was wandering through his home trying to find her. She was in the kitchen refilling her drink. He lets out a sigh of relief. He could hear people starting the countdown.

“Christ, there you are!” He says to her, pulling her into him.

“You were looking for me?”

“Course I was, who else am I gonna kiss, hm?” They hear everyone yell ‘one’ and he plants one on her. She thought it would be a simple peck since there were people around, but no, Harry full on kissed her. “Happy New Year.” He breathes and then kisses her forehead.

“Happy New Year.” She says faintly as he walks away from her to continue being a good host. She was one of the last people there, feeling drained at nearly two in the morning. She was getting her coat, about ready to say goodbye when he looked at her funny. “What?”

“Where do you think you’re going at this hour?”

“Home.”

“Nope, sorry, m’afraid you’re staying with me tonight. Get that coat off, now.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

“Is that so?”

“it is.” He nods, and she smirks at him stepping closer to him.

“Make me.” She grins and his eyebrows raise.

“Right.”

Before she knows it she’s being picked up and carried to his room. They both giggle as he gets her in his room. He gets her jacket and boots off, and he tosses her one of his bed shirts.

“What’s this for?” She asks as she holds the shirt up.

“To sleep? Can’t fuck you right now, I’m knackered.”

“Oh.” She blushes. “Alright, well, thank you. Um…you wouldn’t happen to have a spare toothbrush and a washcloth then would you?”

“Sure, I’ll pull that out of the linen closet for you, one second.” He leaves the bedroom and comes back shortly and gives her what she asked for.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” He shrugs and starts taking his clothes. “Feel free to use the bathroom first.”

She nods and does so. She liked the way his shirt fit, how it hugged her thighs and just barely covered her bum. She washes up and shyly pads back into the bedroom. He smiles when he sees her, and watches as she crawls onto the bed.

“Well, don’t you look cute.” He pinches her thigh as she settled.

“Oh! Don’t do that.” She swats his hand away and he chuckles, getting up from the bed.

“Back in a tick.”

He shuts the lights off once he’s done in the bathroom, and gets into bed with her. She felt awkward until he yanked her onto his chest.

“You can be pretty forceful sometimes, you know that?”

“Does it bother you?”

“Not really, it’s not like I don’t feel safe.”

“You feel safe with me?” He asks softly.

“I do.” She feels him hold her a little closer.

“I just want what I want when I want it I guess.”

“So I’ve noticed. I like a man that knows what he wants, though, so it’s not like it’s a turn off.

“Aw, so you feel safe with me and you like me. A Happy New Year indeed.” She sucks her teeth at that and it makes him laugh. “What’s wrong, can’t take a bit of teasing?”

“I can, you’re just annoying.” She nudges him and he kisses the top of her head.

“You’re fun, Y/N.” He chuckles.

“Let’s get some sleep so you can fuck me in the morning, yeah?”

“I like the way you think.” He sighs and lets his eyes droop closed.

Y/N and Harry spent most of New Year’s day in his best, and neither of them would have had it any other way.

“Y/N?” One of her student workers comes into her office. “Mr. Horan from the math department is here to see you.”

“He is?” She raises an eyebrow. “Um, alright, he can come in.” The girl nods and lets Niall in. He closes the door behind him. “Is everything alright with Ben?”

“Yeah, this isn’t work related.”

“Oh…alright, would you like to have a seat?”

“No, it won’t take long…um…did you know Harry’s birthday is on the first of February?”

“I did not know that, no.”

“Right, well, I’m throwing him a party at this pub he really likes to go to. He’s turning thirty, you know? Wanted it to be a little more special for him.” She nods and he continues. “He’s shy about his birthday, and he’d never come right out and say it, but I know it would be mean the world to him if you came.”

“Well, of course I’ll go. It’s not like I haven’t been to a party with him before.”

“Yes, but instead of casually coming over to his New Year’s party…you’d sort of be showing up as his lady, you know?”

“What are you getting at here?”

“Come on, Y/N.” Niall scoffs. “He’s crazy about you, can’t you see that?”

“Niall…” She says in a hushed tone. “You know very well that he and I are nothing more than-“

“Fuck buddies, yeah, yeah.” He rolls his eyes. “This has been going on for months, you seriously don’t want more with the guy?”

“No.” She swallows. “I’m getting exactly what I need from him. He doesn’t want more either, what we’re doing works for both of us. Has…has he said something to you?”

“Not in so many words, but he talks about you enough. I think it’s silly to not go for it.”

“Look, if I didn’t have two kids maybe things could be different between him and I, but it’s not that simple. I don’t want more…at least not right now.”

“Alright.” He sighs. “I’ll text you the details for the party, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Oh, and keep it a secret. He thinks we’re going on a bar crawl.”

She nods and out the door he goes. She sighs heavily and shakes her head. Now there would be all this pressure for his birthday. Did she need to get him a gift? And what kind of gift should it be?

“Mum, you look so good.” Riley says sitting on Y/N’s bed when she comes out in a red dress.

“Thank you, honey.”

“And this is for a friend’s birthday party?”

“Yes.”

“Whose birthday?” Riley grins.

“Harry’s.” Y/N sighs.

“Did you get him anything good?”

“I…I got him, like, well, you know how he likes to wear all those rings? So I saw this ring at the store that I thought he might like.”

“You got him a ring?”

“Is it weird? It’s weird right? I just…I saw it and I thought of him, and I-“

“I bet he’ll love it, Mum.”

“Alright.” She nods. “Listen…you’ll be alright with Ben tonight? I…I could either be home really late, or I might not come back until the morning depending on how much I have to drink.”

“He’s setting up some movies and popcorn for us as we speak. We can handle it.”

“Good, okay, thank you.”

“Where would stay if you don’t come home?”

“Mr. Horan has offered me his guest room if need be.” It was a blatant lie but she couldn’t very well tell her fourteen-year-old that she was most likely going to have birthday sex with her teacher.

“Okay.” Riley shrugs and goes downstairs with Y/N. The doorbell rings. “I’ve got it.” She says as Y/N gets her coat on. “Hi, Mr. Styles.”

“Hello, Riley, is your mum ready to go?”

“Mhm, she’s just getting her coat on. Happy birthday, by the way.”

“Thank you.” He smiles and then uses all his willpower to not let his jaw drop when he sees Y/N. He couldn’t even see her dress, but he could tell she’d be a knockout tonight. “Ready?”

“Yes.” She smiles and turns to Riley and Ben. “Don’t be afraid to call if you need anything. I can be home in a flash. I’ll text you later to let you know what my, um, plans are.” She blushes and pushes Harry outside as the kids wave them off.

“She’s not subtle.” Ben says as he plops onto the couch.

“I know, I wish they’d just admit they’re in love and get on with it.” Riley says and starts the movie.

Harry opens the backseat of Niall’s car for her, and then he jogs around to the other side. Niall was driving, and Anna was in the passenger seat. Everyone greets one another and off they go. Harry keeps his hand on Y/N’s knee the whole way, and she puts her hand over his. They smile at each other, but nothing is said. Needless to say he was surprised by there being a party at the pub for him, but he was delighted.

Niall had done really well. Lots of drinks and appetizers going around, good music, and people mingling. There was even a cheesy slideshow of every single one of Harry’s school pictures throughout the years, and Y/N had to fight tears from laughing so hard at some of them. Harry couldn’t have asked for a better birthday, especially with Y/N around. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her all night, and eventually his arm didn’t leave from its place around her waist. No one really paid it any attention. Most people knew there was something going on between the two of them, but it was none of their concern. The single men in the room at the least knew not to hit on her. No one really wanted to get on Harry’s shit list.

There was a table for gifts, but Y/N kept hers in her purse, not wanting it to get lost. She also wanted to give it to him in private in case things got awkward. She had overthought the ring over and over. It was this nice topaz band that she thought he’d like. He said he was always looking for a pop of color in his wardrobe.

“Hey.” He says to her, pulling her into him. “Are you gonna come home with me?”

“Yeah.” She smiles. “Are you having a good time?”

“A great time. Couldn’t have asked to turn thirty with better people.” He tucks some hair behind her ear and she shivers. “Can’t to get you back to my place, though.” He leans in to speak in her ear. “M’gonna mess up all this pretty makeup you’re wearing.” He kisses her cheek and lets her go. She was suddenly counting down the moments until it was time to leave.

When it came time, she helped grab all of the gifts off the table and bring them to Niall’s car. She had texted Riley that she wouldn’t be coming home which she felt slightly guilty about. She didn’t like giving up her weekends with the kids like this. Niall and Anna help get everything inside, and then leave Harry and Y/N alone, drinking water in the kitchen. He comes over to her, putting his hands on her hips, and pulling her forward.

“Have I told you how fucking sexy you look tonight? I’ve had to hold my hand under my jaw all night just to keep it from dropping.”

“Idiot.” She chuckles. “Oh! Wait, I got you something.” She snatches her purse from the counter.

“So it’s not lingerie? Sort of thought you were my gift.” He smirks and she rolls her eyes.

“That wouldn’t be very original, and I don’t find lingerie to be particularly comfortable, sorry, Sport.” She fishes the ring box out of her purse. “Here we are. If it’s weird feel free to just kick me out…I saw it thought you’d like it, nothing more to it than that.”

He takes the box from her, furrowing his brows. His eyes widen as he opens it up. He looks between her and the topaz band several times.

“Are you serious?” He says.

“Y-yeah…do you like it?”

“Are you kidding? I love it! I just can’t decide what finger to put it on.”

“I guessed on the size. You have such fat fingers, so I went with a larger one.”

“Think that’s the first time I’ve heard you complain about my fingers. Better be the last.” He slips the ring onto his middle finger and holds it out. “It’s perfect, thank you so much. You really didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but I wanted to. Like I said, I saw it and thought you’d like it.”

He hugs her and she hugs him back. He kisses her cheek and works his way to her lips. He sucks on her bottom lip, and she tugs at his shirt. His hands slide down to her ass and he squeezes.

“Fuck, I want you so bad.” He says against her lips, and lifts her up onto the counter.

“Mm-mm, just bring me upstairs, I don’t wanna have sex on the counter again.”

“But it’s my birthday.” He pouts.

“Yeah, and last time we did this my back hurt for, like, three days, so bring me upstairs.”

He sucks his teeth and lifts her back up, carrying her bridal style out to the staircase, and up to his room. He sets her down on the bed and takes her heels off, sliding his hands up her calves and thighs. He pulls her to her feet so he can lift the dress up over her head. He tugs her nylons off along with her underwear, and unclips her bra, leaving her naked in front of him. He licks his lips and kisses her. Running his hands all over her body. She works to get his shirt undone, and pushes it off his shoulders. She undoes his pants and lets them drop to the floor, he steps out of them, and they both fall back on the bed. He grinds his hard dick, still clothes by his boxers, right into her core, and she groans. He continues to grind against her, and she moves her hips along with his to get some extra friction.

“I want you to suck me off while I fuck you with my tongue.”

She nods and they switch positions so he can lay on his back. She gets situated over his face, and she lowers herself on his body. His tongue moves back and forth along her slit before entering her. She gasps just as she’s getting her lips wrapped around him. His hands grip her hips so he can lick into her in just the right way. She moans around his cock as she tries to bob up and down on him. He removes his tongue from her so he can finger her, and he licks up to her other hole, something they’ve done before. She chokes on his dick and pulls off, choosing to pump him instead.

“Shit, Harry, oh my god!”

He moans against her as she comes around his fingers. He pulls his fingers away and laps her up. He rolls her onto her stomach, and he grabs a condom quickly. He rolls it on and spreads her legs wide open. She lifts her hips up as he pushes inside her, and he grabs a pillow to put under her back. He rocks in and out of her as his hands knead her breasts. She wraps her arms around his neck to pull him down to her, and she licks into his mouth. He moans into her as their chests touch and sweat starts to form between their bellies.

“Y/N.” He moans into her ear, and it raises goosebumps all over skin. She wraps her legs around his waist to pull him even closer. He kisses on her neck and she runs her fingers through his hair. “I want you to come at the same time as me, think you can do that?”

“Y-yeah.”

He snakes a hand between them so he can rub her clit and her mouth falls open. They make eye contact the entire time, and they cry out as they come together. He collapses on top of her, and she holds him close, kissing his cheek multiple times. He keeps his head buried in her chest for a few moments. He looks up at her, about to say something, but her phone goes off.

“Shit, it could be the kids…”

“One second.” He pulls out of her with a grunt, and lets her up. She gets up and waddles over to his dresser and grabs her phone.

“Ben?”

“Hi, Mum, I’m sorry it’s so late, but Riley doesn’t feel well. I think it’s her period, but she’s on the floor, like, clutching at her stomach and I don’t know what to do for her…”

“Shit, okay, um, get her a glass of milk and two ibuprofen from the cabinet. I’ll be home soon, I’ll set up a warm compress for her. She gets really bad cramps like me sometimes.��

“Okay, thanks, sorry again.”

“No problem, I’ll see you soon.” She turns to Harry. “I…I’m sorry, I can get an uber or-“

“I’ll drive you, don’t be silly.” He says, already throwing some sweats on. “Do you want something to change into so you don’t have to put all that back on?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.”

He gets her a sweatshirt and some sweatpants. Once she’s cleaned herself up they’re out the door and into his car. This time around he holds her hand the whole way, their fingers intertwined and everything. When he turns the car off when he pulls in, she gives him a funny look.

“Don’t look at me like that, I’m coming in, obviously.”

“You don’t need to.”

“I know, now come on.”

They get inside, and poor rile is still laying on the floor sucking milk out of a straw. Ben was sitting on the ground neck to her rubbing her back.

“Mum?”

“Hi, sweetie.” Y/N gets on her knees next to her.

“Feels like someone’s squeezing my insides with a spiked glove.”

“I know, baby, the medicine will work soon, I promise.” She sighs. “Ben, in the bathroom cabinet is where the warm compresses are, could you get one for me please?”

“Yeah.” He stands up and looks at Harry, but doesn’t say anything. Riley sees Harry’s sneakers and turns to look at him.

“Hey, Mr. Styles…”

“Hey.” He smiles. “Not feeling great, huh?”

“Cramps.” She says bluntly.

“Ugh, that’s the worst.” He sits down next to her. “My older sister used to get them really bad, I felt terrible.”

Ben comes back with the warm compress, and Y/N snaps it to get it to warm up, and she presses it to Riley’s lower back. She sighs from the feeling.

“See? Better already.” Y/N says.

“I don’t know what happened. I was fine all night, and then I got up to get some more soda, and I basically fell to the ground.”

“The bad ones can creep up on you unfortunately. I need to get you up to your room.”

“I could carry her…if…if that’s alright with everyone.” Harry says.

“That would be okay.” Riley says. “No one else could do it anyways.”

He helps her up, double and triple checking it’s okay that he’s touching her, and he carries her up. Y.N has Ben clean up the living room before he goes to bed. Y/N goes into Riley’s room after Harry’s places her on her bed.

“All set?” Y/N says to her, brushing some hair away from her face.

“Yeah, thank you.” She yawns. “Goodnight.”

“Night, honey.”

Y/N tugs Harry into her room, and closes the door.

“I’m so sorry, thank you for coming in…I don’t know how I would’ve helped her upstairs, I would have had to make a bed for her on the couch.” Y/N starts tearing up. “There are so many things I can do for them on my own until I’m reminded that there are things that I just can’t.”

“Hey.” He puts his hands on her shoulders. “You’re a great mum and you’re doing what you can. I couldn’t imagine being so young and raising two teenagers. You make it look easy, honestly. You’re amazing, Y/N.”

“You really think so?”

“I do.” He nods.

“Would you…I mean…it’s late, um, would you want to just stay here?”

“It wouldn’t be weird for you?”

“No.” He smiles and starts taking his clothes off. They get into bed together and cuddle all night. He somehow was always exactly what she needed, and it scared her a little. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Put me at ease the way you do?”

“I don’t know.” He smiles down at her. “Didn’t realize I did that for you.”

“Well, you do. And I don’t know how I feel about it.”

“Christ, Y/N, just admit you like me as more than just a guy who fucks you good so we can date already.”

“What?” She sits up and so does he. “That’s not funny.”

“I’m not trying to be. You don’t wanna date? I mean we practically already are when you think about it. I’m not seeing anyone else, are you?”

“With your clingy ass? Who would have the time?!” She laughs.

“Oi, I resent that.”

“You ask me to hang out literally every weekend.”

“Yeah, cause I need to get to you before someone else does.”

“Harry…you realize if you get into a relationship with me you’re getting into a relationship with my kids, right?”

“I do.” He nods. “I know it’ll be a lot, but if it means I get to be with you…I think I could be all in with them. I can’t speak for Ben, but I know Riley likes me. I feel like we could make this work.”

“I don’t want more kids…I’m almost thirty-four, I would hate for you to end up wanting kids of your own. That’s not something I can give you, Harry.”

“You know what I’d really like?”

“What?”

“A dog. I’m great with pets, absolutely great. I miss having a pup around. If we get to a point where we feel like that’s the right move, that would definitely be enough for me.”

“I’ve always wanted a dog.” She bites her bottom lip. “Wow, okay, so…we’re doing this?”

“We fucking better be, I think Niall will explode if we don’t.”

They both giggle, and kiss each other. They settle back down to get some sleep, ready for whatever the morning brings.

a/n: if you liked what you’ve read, and are able/want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee.

#harry styles #something new #harry styles imagine #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fic #harry styles x reader #harry styles one shot #harry styles x y/n #harry styles y/n #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #teacher!Harry

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thelanguishing · 2 years

Text

found family (mouthpiece x velma)

a/n: more mouthpiece content! velma makes her appearance in the second half. when i first started writing this i didn’t really know where i was going to go with it. as more of it flowed though, i realised that i was addressing the history behind mouthpiece’s street name, which i thought it was a rather interesting thing to cover. the past few days have been pretty productive but also kind of depressing, so its not really been too great. kinda want to take a break from going out with people and working but im also not really working that hard so i dont know what im taking a break from. anyway, im sorry about the digression. i hope you enjoy this!

word count: 2896 (longest one to date! was supposed to be two parts but i thought combining it would flow better)

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Thomas Miller often wished he came from a better family. The kind of family that went to the movies with popcorn and watched a stupid musical. One with a smiling mother and gentle father and lots of siblings. You know, a normal family.

Instead, what he got was an alcoholic tyrant of a father and a tearful mess of a mother.

For so long, Thomas could only helplessly run away from the horrific blows every time it occurred. He'd leave the house under his father’s threats, escape to the roof of their dilapidated apartment building, and silently shed a few tears there. His ma would often be bedridden for the next few days or so, crying in her sleep. That tyrant of a father would then return to his seat at the local Irish pub, clutching his bottle of whiskey, inebriated as usual. Within a day or so he’d come back, pretending like nothing had happened, and Thomas and his ma would have to skate on thin ice to delay his next outburst as much as possible.

On unlucky days, he wound up being his father’s personal punching bag. It was always over the stupidest reasons too — slamming the plate on the table too loudly, mouthing off, looking too resentful. Those dreadful nights were the worst, when he went to bed with belt lashes on his arms and slap marks so hard they turned an angry red the next day. He cried those nights too, hateful of his father for hurting him, resentful of his mother for not defending him, and worst of all, disgusted with himself for not fighting back. It didn't help when he had to fish around for believable excuses when his teachers asked him about the recent wounds he sported.

I walked into a pole.

I fell into a drain.

I hit my shoulder on the fence.

As with everything, experience and time gave his lies their essential touch of credibility. The questions eventually stopped.

As far as Thomas could remember, everything that encompassed the word ‘family’ felt wrong. If family meant fighting and hitting and screaming and crying all the time, he didn’t want anything to do with it. But that didn’t stop the jealousy he felt when his classmates’ mothers scraped together everything they had just to buy their sons a new pencil for the upcoming semester. It didn’t help to quell the bitterness blooming in his chest when he saw fathers lift their daughters up into the air, spinning them round and round before holding them close again. And it most definitely didn’t ease the emotional torment of getting kicked and slapped by the person who was supposed to love you most in the entire world.

By the time Thomas turned fourteen, he’d mastered the art of apathy. It was easier, he decided, to just care about nothing. His schoolwork had already been abysmal at best, and with his less than stellar attitude, his grades slipped ever further. In his opinion, the adults in his life ranged from ‘useless’ to ‘downright liability’. He was destined to a life of being looked down upon by the rich folk on the Upper East Side, and pitied and gossiped about by the loving families on the West Side. No matter where he found himself, it always seemed to be at the bottom of the barrel.

It wasn’t his fault he was born into such a shitty family. Why did other kids in his grade get loving mothers who bought them Batman comics every week, whereas he had to steal them regularly from Doc’s to get the newest issue? Why did he have to talk to counselors who pretended to care and social workers who didn’t understand a thing about his life? Hell, they wouldn’t survive a day in his shoes. But there they were, on their high horses, trying to offer some shoddy, one-off attempt at ‘emotional support’.

The last counselor had been particularly ridiculous. She was a young lady, with a naivety and hopefulness only a sheltered girl fresh out of college could have. Within the two seconds they’d been acquainted, Thomas already envisioned the trajectory of the rest of their session. He could basically read her sad, predictable mind.

‘Could you tell me what’s bothering you?’ Yeah, right, like he was gonna be recounting fourteen years worth of childhood trauma to a total stranger within the hour.

‘So, Thomas, have you tried deep breathing to calm yourself down?’ Sure, because deep breathing could magically heal his bruised rib cage and twisted arm.

‘It’s such a shame what you’ve been through.’ The last thing he wanted was patronizing pity from some privileged trust fund chick.

As he answered her questions monosyllabically, he could see her lips purse over his uncooperative nature.

And now she probably thinks it’s a result of my ‘juvenile delinquency’, Thomas bitterly mused.

At the end of the day, these people were all the same. They believed that people like him weren’t destined for anything other than failure. So what was the point in trying to change their minds?

Fuck that. Fuck the counsellor, thinking she could go round changing the world with this broken system. To get to go to college, her family probably had more money than Thomas could ever dream to have in his next three lifetimes. They were from completely different worlds. She wouldn’t understand a goddamn thing.

Apathy turned into anger pretty quickly. The defiant streak in him grew each day, resentful at the world for dealing him such a bad hand. When a boy from the grade above Thomas witnessed him pummel another kid to the ground for ‘looking at him the wrong way’, a deal was extended.

‘Join the Jets,’ the older boy offered.

‘We’ll take carea ya. If ya get jumped we’ll watch out for ya. And we’ll get yous booze and cigarettes and whateva ya want, too. The Jets are brothers, and we’s look out for each other because no one else will.’ The older boy seemed to relish in his monologue, clearly proud of the gang he called family.

Thomas wasn’t naive. He’d grown up on the Upper West Side, for goodness sake. He’d seen his fair share of rival gangs stake their claim on territory and beat each other up for a couple of blocks of residential housing. The Jets, in particular, had made quite a name for themselves, wreaking havoc in an already chaotic neighborhood. The idea of fighting for something as trivial as territory was all a bit stupid to him. But what did he have to lose, really? The older boy said something about brotherhood. Wasn’t that kind of like a family, but a good one? No one was superior to the other. They were all equal, and brothers at that. They’d band together in times of need instead of turning on each other. He nodded and extended his hand.

‘I’m Thomas.’ He declared.

‘Thomas ain’t no name for a gang member. What’re you good at, other than throwing a punch?’

‘I… I don’t know. I guess I can make people laugh.’ Thomas admitted, albeit slightly abashed.

‘How about… Mouthpiece? Yous be our messenger too. We need one of those since the Jets ain’t getting any smaller.’ The older boy mulled over Thomas’s response before offering his suggestion.

‘Yea, that’s alright.’

‘Well then, welcome ta the Jets, buddy boy. Yous one of us now. I’m Action.’ The older boy finally disclosed his name.

For the first time in fourteen years, Thomas finally felt like he belonged.

---------

Several weeks after the recruitment of Mouthpiece, his lone figure roamed the streets in the dead of night. It was basically witching hour, yet he didn’t have the slightest intention of returning home.

Then again, he didn’t really think that place counted as much of a home. If he were to be completely honest, whatever pathetic home life he had depressed him. But as he so acutely realized, being sad and hopeless offered no protection against the cruel realities of the world. On the contrary, if he was angry, people would fear him. They would know he wasn’t someone who was easily bullied. And having gone through life being thrown around like a punching bag, intimidating others gave him a sickening sense of relief.

As Mouthpiece let himself aimlessly wander around, he found himself skirting further and further away from familiar Jet territory, until he finally stopped at a fancy apartment building. The freshly painted brick red exterior and polished windows greeted him, a stark reminder of the life he could never even dream of experiencing.

He hadn’t really wanted to come to see Velma when he was in such a sour mood. But it had been three whole days since he last caught sight of her, what with having to nurse his injuries inflicted by his pa and then having to take care of his depressed ma at home. Pangs of longing would shoot through his gut at random times of the day, and his thoughts would drift to her lilting voice, or her excited laughter. Big Deal had already teased him about it the other day, calling him a lovesick idiot. On any other occasion, Mouthpiece would probably have at least gotten in a light punch as revenge. But Mouthpiece could hardly rebuke Big Deal’s remarks. They were true, after all. And the worst, or best, part was that he found he didn’t really mind. Not if it was for Velma. His Vel.

His feet glued to the ground, he could already feel a tiny grin creeping up his face as he thought about his girl. When the world around him felt like it was crumbling before his very eyes, she was the only person who could make him feel like none of that mattered. Gazing at that perfect girl distinctly reminded him that she was his world.

As his mood slightly lifted, he began scaling the fire escapes of her apartment building. It was his first time scaling Velma’s apartment building, but he was a pretty good climber. Careful not to make any loud noises, he quickly found himself standing right outside her window, gently rapping on the glass.

Pulling up the window to let her boyfriend in, Velma sat back down on her bed, rubbing her eyes as she struggled to stifle a yawn. It was remarkable, really, how she basically had a surprise visit sprung on her at two in the morning, yet she remained unruffled as ever.

Mouthpiece found a seat on her ottoman, half expecting her to at least question the reason behind his sudden appearance, but what only greeted him was tactful silence.

That was one of Mouthpiece’s favorite things about Velma. She never really pried for information about anything, offering only silent support. She knew he’d tell her things only when he felt ready, and there would be no pushing on her end. Her gentle, quiet presence gave him time and space to collect his racing thoughts and rambling words, grounded in a security he’d never felt elsewhere.

They sat like that for several minutes, Velma’s consciousness gradually returning as she patiently waited. She could hear his slightly out-of-breath panting, and the blossoming bruises on his arms under the moonlight. His fists were clean though.

Okay, so it wasn’t a fight.

Despite not having lived the same broken West Side slum life that her boyfriend and his friends had, she could put two-and-two together quickly enough. Even in that silence, she knew. She always did.

Finally, Mouthpiece opened his mouth to speak.

‘Sorry I knocked so late, Vel. I guess I just missed ya.’ He sheepishly confessed, shrugging in a feeble attempt to maintain a facade of nonchalance.

It took everything out of Velma not to hide her smile. Even though Mouthpiece had always been the more talkative one of the two, he rarely said anything very vulnerable, fearing that his weakness could easily be used against him. It softened Velma considerably, seeing that her boyfriend of only a few weeks already felt comfortable enough to be this honest with her.

‘I missed ya too. I tried going to Doc’s to look for ya, but I couldn’t find ya around these couplea days.’

Ever the perceptive one, Velma realized very early on in their relationship that the only way to keep her boyfriend feeling relaxed in his vulnerability was to be equally upfront on her part. Sharing this seemingly insignificant thing would help, she was sure of it.

As if by magic, a small smile graced his slightly swollen face.

‘Ya did?’

‘Of course I did, hon. Three days is a long time to go without ya.’

As she returned his tentative grin, she situated herself beside him, legs close enough to touch. Her arms circled Mouthpiece and she rested her chin gently on his shoulder. Instinctively, he embraced her back, involuntarily relaxing in her comforting presence.

Only she could make me feel this way, Mouthpiece mused.

As if she had read his mind, she whispered, ‘Ya know, love, Velma literally means ‘valiant protector’. So even though ya protect me mosta the time, I just wanted ya ta know youse always safe with me too.’

Every time Mouthpiece thought Velma couldn’t get any more perfect than she was, he was proven wrong. This beautiful, understanding, compassionate, patient person that was the only safe space for him to run to.

It turns out that love is a bit of a drug. Life without it is bearable, because you don’t really know what it’s like to live any other way. But drugs are addictive. You can’t really turn back when you’re hooked. And once you’ve had a taste of sweet euphoria, what once was bland now becomes bitter.

So Mouthpiece really didn’t want to, no, he couldn’t, imagine a life without Velma.

Humming contentedly, they carefully lay down in bed together, still firmly entwined in each other’s embrace. Careful not to rest too heavily on the new red and purple patches on Mouthpiece’s arms, Velma felt her eyelids grow heavy. It was late, after all, and she had been asleep before those raps on her window.

‘I just realized I don’t know your name, babe.’ Velma cracked an eye open, watching as that familiar troubled look clouded her boyfriend’s eyes yet again.

‘I don’t like it much,’ Mouthpiece confessed. Had it been anyone else who asked for his birth name, he would have just feigned ignorance and cracked a joke to throw them off the scent. But this was Velma, and he didn’t feel the need to skirt personal topics around her.

‘Well, will ya at least tell me what it means?’

Admittedly, she was curious about his birth name. They’d been going out for a few weeks now, and she’d never picked up as much as a hint of this. But she’d also vaguely guessed that it was a sore spot for him, and as always, he’d tell her when he was ready.

‘Actually I don’t know what it really means, but I don’t like the reason it’s my name. It’s my old man’s.’ She could feel him stiffening, clearly trying to tamp down his discomfort in order to answer her questions. It alarmed her. The last thing she wanted to do was to make his clearly horrible day even worse.

Before she could steer the conversation away from said topic, though, he quelled her doubts.

‘It’s Thomas. But I hate it.’

The venom that filled his voice as he spat that word out conveyed everything Velma needed to know. Despite sharing the same name, he didn’t want to be anything like his father, belittling and uncontrolled, unable to summon a kind word to even those closest to him.

Though it was never directed at her, Velma would have to be blind not to notice the familiar expressions of hatred clouding her boyfriend’s face at almost everyone around him. His family, the social workers, even the people in the neighborhood who had loving families. It was a face contorted by jealousy and bitterness and dejection. And it often was at its angriest whenever the topic of family was broached, just like now.

‘Yer nothing like your old man, babe. I promise. I know you.’

She soothingly rubbed circles with her thumb on his back, wishing for him to one day see himself the way she did. Witty, loyal and with a huge capacity for love. She didn’t know what else she could do, other than offer him her shoulder and give him the solace that he so desperately needed. It hurt her too, just imagining the amount of physical abuse he had gone through all his life, not to mention the broken system he had been thrust into since childhood.

Life was just unfair sometimes.

As the mental exhaustion finally began to catch up with Mouthpiece, he found himself slipping into a deep sleep. But in his semi-conscious state, he could hear Velma mutter to no one in particular.

‘You’ll always be Mouthpiece to me.’

It seemed like such a flippant name, one carelessly given to him from one broken boy to another. But to Thomas, Mouthpiece represented everything he could ever want in life. Unwavering brothers, undying love, and an undeniable fresh start. And if this was what family was like, maybe it wasn’t as terrible as it originally seemed.

#west side story fanfic #west side story #west side story 2021 #west side story 2021 fanfic #mouthpiece x velma #mouthpiece #velma #mouthpiece west side story #ben tyler cook #maddie ziegler #my stories #my writing

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vellaword · 4 years

Text

nightshade (excerpt)

Nick Blaine never asked to be immortal.

In the year 1901 he was born in the fast-growing city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. His parents and their newborn son, Joshua, immigrated there only a year prior, having crossed the Atlantic ocean in search of the American dream and a shot at a better life for their children.

The road to success wasn’t as easy as the industrial boom promised, but the Blaines managed to scrape by. They gave their sons what little they could. They were satisfied with their humble home. And above all, they believed that everything would work out as it should— as long as they had each other.

But they wouldn’t be able to stay together forever.

Nick and Josh’s mother abruptly passed away from consumption in 1916. The loss was devastating. A home that once contained warm laughter and love turned into a dark gloom, seeping into the walls and poisoning the air. The grieving boys acted out. Their father withdrew. No healing was had.

Less than a year later their father went to the store and never came back.

Abandoned, and only 16 years old, Nick entered the workforce to keep putting food on the table. It was his only way of feeling in control of such a dire situation. Josh found a darker way to cope: opium.

Nick may have lost his parents and his innocence, but he refused to lose his brother too. The further Josh sank into the clutches of addiction, the harder Nick fought to save him from himself. Opium turned into heroin. Nights out turned into weeklong benders. Nick lost job after job because of the work he missed— it was nearly impossible to maintain one when he was busy pulling his older brother out of gutters, or helping him through withdrawal when the drugs and money ran out.

Then one day, Nick was given a job at the textile factory. The owner – knowing the pain of losing a family member to addiction – took pity and gave him more flexibility than any other employer was willing to. This kindness also came at the behest of the owner’s young daughter, who worked at the family business as a part time secretary. Her name was Clara Rose, and because of her kindness, Nick would go on to fall madly in love with her.

It was a picturesque romance of the early 20th century. Nick and Clara Rose courted each other for years before getting married in the summer of 1924. The American economy was in the early stages of collapse, but they didn’t see it at the time. Nick moved up the chain of command at the textile factory, and Clara Rose moved on to school and a brighter future for them both— but she still returned to the factory every day to have lunch on the rooftop with her husband.

Clara Rose was the light of Nick’s life. Poverty and addiction was a vast pit of depression, but as long as she shone down on him like the sun, he had the strength to keep climbing. In all his years Nick had to be the strong one for Josh— but in the safety of Clara Rose’s unconditional love he could let down his walls. He could be himself, and he was happy.

Until one fateful day in 1928, when everything good in his life slipped through his fingers for the second time.

Nick was running late for his lunch date with Clara that day. They always met at 2:00, but at 2:10 he was still waiting in line for tuna sandwiches. With lunch in hand, Nick took off in an easy jog to meet his wife— not noticing the smoke that had begun to rise in the sky, until a fire engine barreled by in the same direction as him.

Suddenly all of Nick’s senses screamed at him that something was very, very wrong. Panic filled him, making him sprint as fast as he could to check on his wife.

By the time Nick got back to the textile factory, all his worst fears had come true.

The building was up in flames.

It burned all day until the full moon appeared in the sky, when the firefighters were able to start picking through the charred remains. There was a total lunar eclipse that night, and Nick could still remember how the moon turned blood red in the sky as ash continued to rain down. Only then did he finally lose hope for Clara Rose’s survival, and cried in the street until his throat was raw.

Nick buried his wife’s remains in Ann Arbor, and his heart with her. He was never himself again after that.

Josh’s addiction only became worse as Nick struggled with his own grief. After the factory burned down, Nick was never able to find work again. America was in the clutches of its Great Depression and poor, downtrodden folk like the Blaines didn’t stand a chance. The bank took their childhood home that Nick had worked so hard to keep. The brothers squatted in empty buildings, digging scraps of food out of trash cans to survive the harsh Michigan winters.

Josh would disappear for days and weeks. In 1931 he left for the last time, never to come back. For two more years Nick carried on, withering away without the slightest will to live and no one to care.

When he developed his mother’s persistent cough, he knew his time had finally come. He welcomed the sweet embrace of death. Unable to afford a doctor, consumption took Nick in 1933. He died, cold and alone, huddled under a blanket beneath a bridge.

The next day, by some twisted stroke of fate, he awoke in a warm cot with Joshua at his side and a terrible, burning thirst in his veins.

“I’m sorry I had to curse you with this, Nick,” his brother explained, “but I couldn’t stand the idea of being alone in this world.”

#fic #nightshade #mine #osblaine

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talesofealdancynedom · 3 years

Photo

Uncle Cetus knitting; There is a matching picture, where Morgan is wearing that sweater by the way...

Tale 21: What The Wagon Was For (chapter 8 - On The Radio 8/8 ) part 6. Stories of wizards

no warings

Wool and yarn; Soft threads tied together to keep warm. Self soothing, and expressing creativity. Natural fibers, twirled into textiles that are plush, yet strong. The smell of plastic from the store, that turns into a soft warm sent, as fingers pull it between needles and hooks; As it is transformed into a variety of adornments. Bright as red, or white with dots, thick as rope, or thin like thread; There is no limit to the yarn available to those who seek it. Each loaf, pulled from its inner loop, and wound into balls that seem to always escape, tangle, or go missing. There is always too little, or too much of it around. With a few years practice, a hat can be made in under an hour, with argyle of red and navy, against a confetti white base; Complete with ties and pom-poms. The secret ingredient is time and love; Weaved into something comforting, to be gifted and cherished by someone. A gift of warmth that shows you care.

There is an aesthetic, sensation, smell, and rhythm, in this ancient textile art. Not only calming, but also protective and embellishing. This is why when the couples’ knitting group was over, uncle Cetus kept knitting for the family, while Jupiter kept finding odd amounts of wool in the linen cupboard. While she groaned about the plethora of thread, each autumn, Morgan and the rest of the family, eagerly awaited what Cetus had spent the year crafting for them. Made with love, thought, dedication, and material that costs more then they should. these treasures were meaningful; Because they were made by hand, just for them.

At the end of the semester, some important paperwork finally got processed and aproved. Magic politics can only function within the common laws of a land; And the law prioritizes children in need of homes, over opinionated wizards. Cetus, after struggling to organize finances after his mother died, finally got guardianship over his sister’s precious son. The problem was that Morgan was bonded to Tiberius Gate, living in an ominous tower. With Emilia. Aunt Jupiter was no quitter; She suggested they move into the tower as well. They already lived in town, and Reginia was going to be sent to magic school anyway. She was to be Morgan’s peer support. Though cousins, they were the same age and like siblings. As magical as Pepperidge was, Cetus and Jupiter were perfectly mundane; Born to magic houses, but unqualified to care for young mages. But they were qualified to provide a supportive and loving family, to two growing youths. Cetus was up to the challenge of helping Morgan overcome his trauma, grow, and be himself. Mage or not, Morgan deserved to feel safe after everything he went through.

Thus, Cetus became a great aid in Morgan’s recovery. A male role model, as well as an incredible barrier to the corrupt wizard counsel. Morgan, as the mage of Tiberius Gate, was the way of getting to Pepperidge, and its mages. So, if anyone wanted to get rid of mages there, they needed to control Morgan. But now, they also had to threaten the wellbeing a commoner, who had common law on his side. Cetus knew it. No one was getting their fingers in any peanut butter jar, that would mess up his family’s happily ever afters. Every advance made to contain Morgan’s abilities, was being thwarted by an increasingly close pro mage community, in the tiny town of Pepperidge; From the bus driver, to every teacher and student. If he didn’t feel it, Morgan was completely safe.

After school, mid week, Cetus dropped Morgan off at therapy, and Jupiter would come to pick him up after sessions.

“We have a family meeting, and child welfare check next week. As always, do your best, sport.” Cetus said, ruffling Morgan’s hair. It gave him joy; After almost a year of adoption, and counseling, Cetus could finally touch Morgan without him flinching. Cetus didn’t know what Leo was doing, or if it was even Leo and not life in general; But it was working. He saw Morgan off, before taking Reggie and Emilia home.

“Hey, want to get ice-cream on the boardwalk after dinner?” Emilia said, leaning out the back window. She pulled Morgan over to kiss his check. He nodded, and shyly returned the gesture. Cetus and Reggie tried not to giggle. Morgan slowly walked into the office, checked in, and sat in the depressing psychiatry waiting room.

The fluorescent lights flickered, but at a rate that wasn’t noticeable until there was a migraine. There was the smell of bleach, and old drywall. The receptionist was taking a line of calls, as other families came in, and everyone tried not to look at each other; Because every chair was awkwardly placed facing inward. The walls were mustard, and the chairs plastic. The water cooler bubbled, and the thermostat was set low. Morgan was wearing a forest green, salmon, and black argyle knit sweater, Cetus had made it. Fall had come around, and it was almost his birthday. Morgan reflected on how it had been nine months since his uncle took him in. He loved his uncle. But it wasn’t the same as his mother and father. He hadn’t seen his parent in almost three years.

Leo came to the front, and h led Morgan to his quiet office, while holding Dolly. The light blue walls, smelled of ambiguous air freshener. There was a stack of papers, bulletin of inspirational posters, bowl of fidget toys, and a Yuka in the back. It had started to become comforting and familiar. Morgan relaxed into the chair, holding Icarus on his lap.

“Never seen you so relaxed,” Leo smiled. He took his seat, causing the office chair to squeak. “What would you like to talk about today?” He started. Morgan sat there, looking around the room. He wasn’t feeling anything in particular at the moment. Nothing was really bothering him. Well, maybe the embarrassment and excitement of getting his girlfriend with child WAY too early, or the stress of balancing the world of fey with homework. Also, the upcoming equinox dance at school, and his birthday. Actually, there was too many things to talk about.

“How about you and Emilia, or Cetus? Your aunt and uncle are getting a review from what I hear.” Leo prompted. He had an agenda. Morgan being relaxed was good, but there is always more work to do. Morgan shrugged, like usual.

“How about what you’re feeling right now? I can bring out the chart if you like.”

“I think I’m sad? Out of all things, today I miss mom and dad a lot. They send me paint, books, and clothes, to help my uncle. Mom still knows exactly what I like. Cetus is super nice, and he’s always there for me; He worked really hard to take me in, even with all the magic politics. I appreciate it. Oh, he actually got pulled into some quests, even though he’s common folk! Now I get to graduate early under professor Hara, researching Griminthropes. Aunt Jupiter wants to do a good job too, so she’s-” Morgan mumbled on.

“Stop there. This isn’t about Cetus’s life; This is about built-up trauma, and missing your parents, in spite of your recent happily ever after,” Leo interrupted. “I’m glad you’re confident enough to talk to me, but every conversation is about a fairy tale, not a feeling. You might need to break your habit of relying on magic, legends, and individuals, to avoid problems. I just want you to have a quality of life, feel loved, and care for your yourself. Without relying only on mystical outings or old books. You have the opportunity to do so, and I encourage you to focus on yourself.” Leo suggested. Morgan was leaning inn, looking mildly confused while he listened. At least he had Morgan’s attention.

“I get so frustrated with your avoidance problem. You walk around with so much pain and suffering; And it keeps you up at night. Yet, instead of processing it, and using your support system, you go to the shadow veil, stay silent, act reckless, and harm yourself. Your gratitude is wonderful, but happily ever afters are meaningless if you desert them. Avoidance is not a log term solution, and I don’t expect immediate change. But you need to start embracing things around you in the moment.” Leo said, fizzling out into a whimper, as he tried to stay professional. Morgan looked at him, unblinking.

“Yes, Leo. That’s what the wagon was for.” Morgan said, nodding his head. Leo gave a look of complete defeat. He already knew that.

“So you’re telling me, it’s more then a scheduled avoidance quest? That now it’s something meaningful; A source of fulfillment as a seer. Thus, Honestly Morgan, do you actually still need the wagon to find friends and joy? I don’t think you need to runaway anymore; Everything you need is right here, if you’ll sit with it.” Leo continued. Morgan liked that perspective; It sounded like enjoying life, without sacrificing his dreams. Morgan smiled a bit. The meaningful stories of each object in that wagon, were tales of is growth. That wagon had helped him. But his new life was doing that too. A simple, worn, faded, treasured wagon. In primary colours, the offend the senses. Something that was purchased at a toy store, to carry children on family outings. It is easy to say what the wagon was for, and what that means now. The wagon helped Morgan runaway, and become an accomplished mage. Now the wagon reminds him of good things he experienced, and is for visiting friends.

“Thanks Leo.” Morgan said. “I’m sorry I accidentally mislead you with the wagon. It’s very distracting.”

“Your most welcome, and forgiven. Oh look! We still have thirty minutes left.” Leo laughed. Morgan groaned. He still had to unpack his relationship with his parents with feeling words, now that the wagon was gone.

TABLE OF CONTENTS--->

<---PREVIOUS

#tales of ealdan cynedom #short stories #story 21 #fantasy #morgan #art #icarus #dolly #leo #emilia #regina #jupiter #cetus

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doing-all-write · 5 years

Text

don’t be a baby pt. 3

Pairing: Billy x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader discovers that Billy isn’t actually dead. Which changes everything. But also, nothing at all.

Read part 1 HERE

Read part 2 HERE

Word Count: 7K

Warnings: SMUT (only 18+ interact PLZ), swearing, blood, explosions, fighting and some SOFT FEELINGS FOLKS OH BOY.

A/N: SURPRISE! Here’s part 3 of don’t be a baby! I hope you all love this ending, I’m so happy with how it ended so please enjoy!

💖💖As always, likes, comments and reblogs are always appreciated! 💖💖

“You bastard.”

The growl that came crawling out of her throat came from the basest, most animalistic part of her. Billy felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

"You fucking prick." Finally wrenching her hand from his, she reached up, ripping his hood off, fully bringing Billy’s feature into the light.

Her jaw went slack, her complexion ghost white as Billy stood there. Knowing there was nothing he could say or do to make this situation better or less confusing.

"You-you-no. No. This is impossible. There was a coffin. We had a funeral. Billy. I mourned you. I am still mourning you. What the fuck-"

"One found me on the ground after that last mission. He offered me this chance and-"

She hadn't even been aware she’d been moving away from him until her back hit the wall and her legs gave out completely.

Sliding to the floor, she pulled her knees into her chest, bringing her head down to take deep gulps of air as Billy stood over her Clenching and unclenching his hands, wanting nothing more than to wrap his arms around her but not knowing if that would make things better or worse,

"I couldn't not take it love-(Y/N)" catching himself before he called her the old pet name, "It was the best option for me. I got a fresh start. I get to help people. It's steady work and I get to do what I love. Plus, you deserve someone better than me, it was only a matter of time before you realized it anyway..." His voice trailed off as she went stock still.

Watching the monitors, the rest of the team jockeyed around One for position as he relayed what was being said in the room like a sports commentator, "Ooo, he just went for the 'you deserve better than me so I faked my own death' route! That one never works folks. Trust me, I've tried." Five rolled her eyes as Seven snickered.

"DAMN!" Three exclaimed as the rest of the team broke out in screams as (Y/N) launched herself at Billy, fists flying and teeth bared.

He didn't think she wanted him? He hadn't even asked her what she wanted, they had never even talked about it but only because his selfish ass had gone and written the ending of their story before it had even had a chance to start. The shock drained away, to be replaced by anger. It rose through her blood stream, lighting her body up, until it reached her eyes. She knew that the look in her eyes was feral, bordering on unhinged so it brought her some small joy to see his face blanche at the sight as her (Y/E/C) eyes met his blue ones.

"You no good, lying, piece of shit, COWARD." She had tried her best to keep her voice calm but the last word scraped past her vocal cords in a roar as she launched her body at him.

The rational part of her brain knew she wasn’t thinking straight but the other part of her brain that had been wallowing in depression, hopelessness, anger and loss for 365 days was ready to fight.

"You promised. You said you would come back to me and you didn't. But you've been alive this whole goddamn time and now you're in front of me telling me that you didn't think I would want you? And instead of talking to me, you pretend to kill yourself?" Each word was punctuated by a well placed kick, punch or slap on Billy's person.

“I thought ghosting was bad but this takes it to a whole new LEVEL.” she shrieked as she aimed a left hook to Billy’s kidney.

Those boxing lessons paid off, she briefly thought to herself.

There was a part of Billy that had prepared himself for this kind of reaction. He wasn’t even trying to defend himself from her. He knew this was the least he deserved and honestly, he was glad she was even touching him at all.

Continuing her onslaught on Billy, she hoped she left bruises. A physical representation of the bruising he had caused on her heart over the past year. Growling, she kept up a running commentary of what exactly Billy was since he had left her behind.

Billy kept his eyes trained forward, as her fists kept up a steady rhythm on his body. Shoulders straight, hands loose at his sides, waiting for some kind of sign that she was slowing down. He risked a glance down and saw her cheeks glistening with tears.

His heart broke into a million pieces. He felt his throat tighten as the tears that he had tried to hold back, welled up in his own eyes.

She knew distantly that the wetness she felt wasn't sweat. She just prayed that Billy didn't notice them. She didn't want him to think she was weak. As that thought crossed her brain, she realized her punches were getting softer and softer. The rapid pattern she had been striking Billy with had slowed considerably.

"You son of a bitch. You promised." The last word came out in a ragged wisp as she felt the adrenaline leave her body and despondency begin to take its place.

"Don't you love me?" Billy's arms reached for her instinctually at those four words. Pulling her frame into his broad chest, he felt her crumble against him as her sobs echoed throughout the room.

"Shh, love, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I know, rest now. I'm so sorry, my love." He whispered, letting his head drop down so his lips grazed her ear as he repeated his apology over and over again. She felt herself getting irritated with her own body when it gave an impulsive shudder at the nearness of him.

Distantly, she realized that the months of chasing the spark she had with Billy with other men had been pointless. There was no way to recreate it because Billy was the spark. There was no way to recreate what they had because there was no one else like Billy and she didn’t want anyone but Billy.

Feeling the cold concrete of the ground seeping through her leggings, she registered that she must have sunk to the ground as Billy kept his arms around her, both of them huddled on the floor as she sobbed and half heartedly struck Billy’s chest with a weak fist, whispering a few choice phrases such as "fuck you" or "bastard".

The last thing she remembered was Billy whispering the words ``I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" over and over again as he rocked her back and forth as she felt herself drift into unconsciousness.

~~~

It was the first sleep she'd had where she didn't dream.

Eyelids fluttering open, she blinked the drowsiness away, forgetting about where she was and why she was on a cot with the desert sun piercing through the linen curtains over the window next to her.

Then it all came slamming back to her with such force that it pulled the air from her lungs. Crushing her knees into her chest she rolled into a ball, breathing into the cave she’d created for herself. Listening to her breath cycle through her body helped to ground her into the fucked up reality she’d woken up in.

After a few minutes, she lifted her head and took a deep breath in. Exhaling, she swung her legs over the edge of the cot and walked toward a door that she assumed was a bathroom.

Seeing that the door had been cracked open she hesitated, not wanting to barge in if someone was already in there. Leaning forward she tried to see who it was.

Her breath was ripped from her lungs for a second time as her eyes were met with the broad expanse of Billy's back. He was twisting in the mirror, trying to rub gel onto the bruise that was blooming on his side from her fists.

Guilt blossomed in her gut as she thought about how she had hurt him, then figured it was the least she could do to him considering he had caused her more pain and suffering than any one person should feel in their lifetime.

A whine interrupted her thought process as Billy pressed too hard on the bruise that had flowered by his rib cage. The guilt came crawling back and she gently knocked on the door, pushing it open.

"Do, uh, do you need help?" Feeling shy suddenly, she trained her eyes on Billy's feet which shuffled back and forth, as if trying to decide if he wanted to be closer to her or afraid she would hit him again.

“Yeah-yes. I need your help.” He cleared his throat, “I need you.”

Studiously avoiding eye contact, she reached for the gel he had been trying to apply. She took it from his hands and rubbed some onto her palms. Feeling his gaze burning into her, she forced herself to focus on the task at hand.

The scent of eucalyptus filled the air as she pressed her palms onto his skin. He couldn't fight the hiss that leaked out from between his teeth.

Her lips quirked up as she whispered, "Don't be a baby."

Their eyes met and he couldn't help what happened next, he kissed her.

Rising up to meet the harsh push of Billy's lips against her, lust roared to life in the pit of her stomach. Grasping Billy's biceps she leaped into the air, wrapping her legs around his waist. Billy's arms flew up to wrap around her as they both pressed their lips into each other, moaning as she clawed at his back. He deposited her on the sink counter as he reached a leg out to kick the bathroom door shut, praying that no one tried to open the door because fuck. He wasn't going to stop kissing her just to lock a damn door.

She pulled back, ripping a wimper from Billy. Smirking, she nipped at his bottom lip, then ran her tongue delicately over the red spot that was blooming there. Moaning, he thrusted his hips forward, trying to find something to help relieve the pressure building in his cock. Her moans mixed with his as she pressed her own hips forward.

Billy's hands gripped her waist as he stepped in between her legs, pumping his hips forward, meeting her needy thrusts with his own. Gasping at the feeling of Billy's length rubbing against her, Billy let out a groan as he wound a hand into her hair, pulling it to expose the line of her throat as he nipped down it, humming with each whine she let out.

Running her hands down his arms, she moved his hands to grasp at her tits, pushing them into his hands to drive home where she wanted him to touch her most. Chuckling, he ran his thumbs over her breasts, brushing the pad of his thumb over the peak her nipples made through her tank top.

Keening she reached forward, grasping the edge of his joggers, pulling him forward as she nudged them down, grasping his cock at the base, stroking it.

Billy growled at the action, grasping the waistband of her leggings, he wiggled them down her thighs till they pooled around her ankles. Kissing her deeply, he brushed the head of his cock against her folds, moaning when he felt the wetness gathering on the head.

Reaching down, he grasped her thighs, pulling them apart so he could finally, finally, dip his cock into the folds of her cunt. Throwing her head back she let out a stream of curses, Billy biting his lip as he rolled his hips forward, both of them falling into a familiar rhythm as she dug her nails into Billy's shoulders.

Fingertips sinking into the flesh around her hips, Billy growled into her mouth, causing her to clench the walls of her cunt around his cock. Whimpering, she moved her hand down to rub at her clit. Billy batted her hand out of the way, “Let me.” he whispered before pressing his mouth more desperately against hers, as he began drawing circles over the sensitive nub.

Moaning into his mouth, she felt her walls clenching even tighter as she rocked her hips sloppily against his own, knowing she was close.

Feeling her grip around his cock, Billy knew she was close and he thanked the gods she was because he was positive he wouldn’t have lasted much longer. Pumping faster, he dug his hands so hard into her hips she knew there would be bruises there.

Not that she minded.

Feeling the fire gnawing its way through her, she clung to Billy desperately as he gave a few last rocks, pressing against her clit in the most delicious way, she gave into the pleasure sweeping over her.

Her walls clamped around him, giving him the final nudge he needed to spill into her. Both of them groaned as the last few waves of pleasure swept over them. Her head came down to rest on Billy's shoulder. His hands still clamped on her hips, both of them breathing each other's scents as their fury wound down.

The silence was interrupted by the crackle of the intercom,

"Kinda pissed I wasn't the first one to get into those Nike leggings."

"Fuck off." came their simultaneous response. Locking eyes, they both broke into smiles as Billy gingerly pulled himself from her. Helping her down from the counter, he cleaned them both up, helping her step out of her leggings but leaving her underwear on. As he pulled his own joggers up, he gently pushed her into the room she had just left. Stumbling back into the room, she felt exhaustion wash over her again.

Collapsing once more into the bed, the last thing she remembered before dropping back into sleep was Billy padding into the room and her hand reaching out for him. Grasping for it so she could be sure he wouldn’t leave before she woke up.

~~~

Billy became suddenly aware there was a weight on his chest.

Stirring, he felt the mass curl into him further. Sniffing, he caught a whiff of the shampoo (Y/N) always used and knowing it was her curled into him was almost enough to have him break down into sobs.

Bringing a hesitant hand to her waves, he gently stroked them as her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm.

Aware of the hand stroking her hair, she did her best to keep still so he wouldn't stop. She knew that when she woke they would need to have a serious conversation about...all of it. About Billy being alive. Them being on the same team. Would she be able to trust him again? There was a lot to discuss but right now she wanted to lay on his chest and pretend that it was the day after their first day together, the future ahead of them bright and unencumbered.

Feeling her arm start to fall asleep, she figured it was time to wake up and face Billy.

Feeling her stir, Billy's hand stilled on her waves, moving down to land on her hip as she shifted so she could shoot a sleepy smile up at him, "Morning" she croaked out and Billy thought he had never seen something so adorable in his entire life.

Smiling, he replied, "Morning," then frowned, "or afternoon. I have no bloody idea what time or day it is to be quite honest with you."

Letting out a wheezy laugh she brought her head back down to his chest as he wrapped an arm around her, bringing her closer to him, feeling more grounded already with her next to him.

He knew they should talk about what his being alive meant for them and for the future, but he wanted to be selfish and hold onto these few peaceful moments. He’d realized how greedy he was when it came to spending time with (Y/N) but he couldn't help it. Every second, every minute, he wasn't next to her felt like a moment wasted.

Sighing, she turned her face up to him, "I guess we should talk about...well...the fact that you're not dead." Bringing his other hand up to rub down his face, Billy let out a sigh, "Yeah, I s'pose we should."

"Don't sound too excited."

"You gonna hit me again?"

"You going to keep having that tone with me?"

Cowing immediately Billy ran his hand over her back, "No, 'course not (Y/N). Sorry."

Sniffing she nodded to show she'd acknowledged his apology. Her next question came out on a sigh, "Why, Billy?"

"Why what?"

"Why would you do this?"

It was Billy's turn to heave a sigh as he chose his next words with care. He wanted, needed, her to understand why he did what he did. He needed her to understand it wasn’t because he didn’t love, it was because he loved her too much.

"Because...well...One's offer was too good to pass up. Truly. I could do all my Sky Walker stuff but also be able to help people. It was my chance to make a difference in the world, to do some massive good on a global scale."

Sniffing back tears, she nodded mutely as she absentmindedly drew circles over his torso. "I understand that Billy, but...why did you have to break your promise?"

The sharp intake of breath from Billy caused her to raise her head, shock flooding her veins as she saw tears start to leak out of the corner of his eyes. Raising her thumb up, she swiped them away.

"I didn't want to, (Y/N). But...I had to. One explained to me how dangerous this job was, is, and how people will do awful things to anyone connected to you. I...I couldn't bear the thought of you being caught in the crosshairs or having something happen to you because of me."

"Okay but, why didn't you talk to me about it? You just assumed I would be okay with it? That I would tell you One was right? That I wouldn't fight for you? For us? C'mon Billy. Give me a little credit."

"Yeah, because you took so well to my original job."

Her body stilled as she realized he was right. Not that she was happy about it. Sighing she tilted her head up to look into his eyes, "You're right. But that was before. This is...now. I'm different. I've changed."

Billy's eyes roamed over her face, memorizing every detail of it. He took stock of her eyes, how the light was boarded up tight, like they were the first few times he’d talked to her. When she smiled or laughed, he saw a flash of it peek through only for her to quickly shove it back down.

As she studied his own face, she desperately wanted to let her guard down. It would be so easy to slip into how it should have been but there was something that was holding her back. She couldn’t figure out what it was until it hit her like a freight train.

What if Billy really died?

Now that she knew his death had been a ruse and he was still alive, this time, if he did die in this life...there really was no coming back from that. Her heart tore in half at the thought.

"Love..." he hesitated to see how she would react to the pet name. When she didn't hit him or tell him not to use it, he continued, "Love, listen. This is totally your choice. If you think we can do this, then, I'm all in. This will be our new life together. But if there's even a shred of an issue, then you get to walk out that door. And you'll never hear from me again." His heart leaped when she wrapped her arm around his chest more securely at that admission.

"I don't want that. But...Billy...what happens...if...if...you die. Again. For real." Her voice was shaky as she nestled her face into Billy's side, squeezing her eyes shut against the tears threatening to overwhelm her.

Billy's breath left his lungs in a harsh whoosh as the full impact of that idea made his heart skip a beat. He hadn't even considered the possibility. Mainly because if he did, he would never do half the shit he did.

"I wish I had a good answer love but, I don't." Hearing her sniffle he turned on his side, cupping her chin in his hand as he tilted her face up so she would look at him and know how desperately he meant the next few words,

"I just, I have a feeling in my gut that I won't die though. The only reason I made it through half of these missions is because of the people around me and...you." Her eyes widened at this admission,

"Yes, love. You. The very idea of you when I was off doing things that James Bond could only dream of," she snorted as Billy grasped one of her hands in his own, "is what made me more convinced than ever that I needed to get back to you in one piece. And if you join the team? Love, you will be the only thing that's going through my head when we're on a job together. The promise of being able to come home to you at the end of the day, to have you patch me up, to give me endless shit. I wouldn't want to miss any more of it than I already have. So please, believe me when I tell you, if you join this team? I will never, ever leave you again. I promise, (Y/N)."

Raising her eyes to meet his blue ones, she felt her heart squeeze when she saw the tears streaming freely down his face. He had laid his heart bare for her and the love she felt for him in that moment made her glow with a warmth she hadn’t felt, well, since the last time they had been in a bed together. But part of her was still hesitant. She wanted to believe him but she couldn’t go through what she had already been through again.

Billy knew that she was doing her best to figure out if he truly meant it. Sensing her hesitation, he placed the hand he had been gripping over his heart, "Do you feel that?” She nodded, feeling grounded as his heart beat beneath her palm, “Every beat is for you. For you and you alone, love. You bring me into the light and make me feel as if I deserve to be there. Please, (Y/N), do what you think is right but just know, that I want you, and only you, for the rest of my life."

Crying freely, she nodded frantically as she curled herself into Billy's chest. Stroking her back, he let her cry as much as she needed to. After a while, she pulled back, mumbling an apology for getting snot on his shirt as he laughed. Lifting her head up she realized she was right in line with Billy's lips. They were so perfect, reaching a hesitant finger out, she traced them. Feeling her heart beat harder when Billy’s breath hitched at the movement.

Lowering her finger, she snuggled closer to Billy as she reached her lips up to press them against his own softly, tentatively, like she was asking a question more than providing an answer.

Billy sighed as he brought a hand up to cup her face. Stroking the planes, he made sure to remember exactly how her lips felt as he wiped the last of her tears from her face.

Deepening the kiss, she moaned softly into his mouth as he traced a line from her cheek, down her neck, down her side until his hand landed on her hip. Giving her a gentle nudge, she swung her leg over and straddled Billy as he adjusted himself underneath her. He looked up at her and was sure he had never seen a more beautiful sight. Clad in her black tank top and panties, no makeup, hair falling in her face, Billy's heart ached at the notion of being able to wake up to this sight every day of his life.

Resting her hands gently on the broad expanse of his chest, she gave a small thrust forward, testing to see how hard he was. Gasping when she felt his full length twitch, he cocked an eyebrow at her, "You okay there, love?"

"Shut it." She mumbled as she leaned down to capture his lips with hers.

"Make me" was his response as he kissed her back tenderly. Their movements were languid, the passion and tension that had gripped them last night burnt away only to leave the love, adoration and relief they both felt to be reunited with each other. Gently rubbing herself over his cock, he reached a hand down to nudge his pants out of the way.

When his cock sprang free, she reached a hand down into her panties, running two fingers over her own slick, lifting her hand up to lick the juices off her fingers as Billy stared at her, slack-jawed.

Giggling, she moved her underwear to the side as she shifted her hips, positioning herself over his length then slowly lowering herself until he was fully sheathed inside of her.

She gasped as his hands came up to caress the bruises he had left on her hips. His touches were feather light as she let herself adjust to the girth of Billy's cock. Both of them were making a conscious effort to not rush this time. They wanted to relish the feel of each others bodies.

They both treated their bodies as dispensable when they were on a job, but with each other they gave into the feeling of being admired, of being adored, of being touched delicately and being delicate in return.

As (Y/N) let herself enjoy how full she felt with Billy inside of her, Billy rubbed his thumbs over her hips, urging his own hips to stay still. He didn't want to rush this. He didn't want to rush her. He wanted to do this right. He wanted to make sure that she felt comfortable, that she could feel how much he loved and cared about her through his actions.

In the same vein, (Y/N) wanted to treat Billy with softness. To show that she trusted him, that she wanted to be with him always and would trust him with her life. That he deserved to be cherished. Slowly, she started rocking her hips back and forth, finding a soothing rhythm as her fingers fluttered down to rest on Billy's stomach.

Billy's hands caressed her thighs, brushing slow patterns, the roughness of his palms on her skin causing goosebumps to rise up as she started pumping her hips a little faster. Below her, Billy was making the most obscene noises she'd ever heard. Moans, whines and gasps, the whole time desperately searching for eye contact so he could watch her reaction to every movement of his body underneath hers.

Leaning down to kiss him, he grasped her shoulders and flipped them so he was on top of her, using his forearms to prop himself up, staring down at her, he smiled, "You're the most beautiful woman in the world." Blushing furiously, she rolled her eyes so she wouldn't have to make eye contact knowing that if she did, her heart would explode with how much love she had for him.

Leaning his head down, he nuzzled into the crook of her neck, inhaling the smell of her skin, the sweetness of her perfume, the slight tang of salt and something that was so unmistakably (Y/N). Pressing his lips into the curve where her neck sloped down to meet her shoulder, he heard her sigh and continued to nudge his hips forward.

When her moans grew louder, he let out a small growl that made her clench around his length. Thrusting her hips up, she whined needily in the back of her throat. Smirking, Billy started pumping his hips faster into her. Feeling the pit in her stomach grow hotter, she ran her fingers over his head, feeling the pricks of his stubble rub against her palms. As he pulled back to stare into her eyes, she brushed the errant strands that had fallen in front of his eyes. She wanted to drown in their blueness.

Continuing to thrust into her, Billy felt his orgasm building as he kept eye contact with her. Everything was quiet except for their breath. The sighs, the hitches, all of it was much hotter to Billy than any dirty talk could be.

Feeling her heart beat start to speed up, she knew she was getting close. Biting her lip, she peered at Billy through her eyelashes, "Billy...I'm going to cum."

Leaning down, she could feel the smile that was playing on his lips as he whispered in her ear, "Then cum for me, my love." With those words, the pit in her stomach expanded and swallowed her whole. Squeezing her eyes shut, she came with a sharp inhale and slow exhale as her hips rose up to meet Billy's as he pumped into her through her orgasm. Feeling her walls clench around him, watching her come undone below him, pushed him right over the edge. As the last vestiges of her orgasm left her, she felt Billy's hips pumping against her sloppily until with a final grunt, she felt him fill her up with his cum.

Panting, they looked into each others eyes and she giggled as he smiled at her, looking a little dazed. Carefully pulling out of her, he cleaned them up. After pulling his sweatpants back up, he laid down on the bed, pulling her to his chest.

Nuzzling her face into Billy she sighed. Feeling her body loosen and relax, Billy started to plant kisses all over the top of her head, moving down to pepper her cheeks with kisses, she giggled and squirmed away from him. Chuckling, he placed one last kiss to the tip of her nose, “C’mere love. We’ve been apart too long to have you so far away from me.”

“Billy, I’m like an inch away from you.”

“And that’s still too far.” he whined as he pulled her flush against him. Giggling, she flung her arm and leg over Billy’s form, attaching herself even closer to him, “Is this close enough?”

“Not really but, it’ll have to do.” he mumbled as his arms wound around her, hugging her tightly into him.

As they laid there, their breath evened out to match each other. And several hours later, when One was checking the surveillance cameras, that was how he found them. Entwined in each other, breathing in and out in synch, looking for all the world like pieces of a puzzle that had finally come together to create a whole picture.

~One Month Later~

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"No, of course I'm not. You gotta get out of here and this is the best way to do it. C'mon."

"Eight-" hearing her code name come out of Billy's mouth always made a shiver run down her spine. One time, he had growled it when they were having sex and the orgasm that’d ripped through her when it happened caused her to see God.

She had been lovely.

"Four. I believe in you." Billy pulled up short as he heard those four words crackle through his earpiece. Then,

"You two need to cut the foreplay and figure out a legitimate way of getting the fuck out of this building before it blows."

"Hey, One? Why do you need to cockblock us at every opportunity?" (Y/N) laughed.

"Shut it Eight or I'm going to let you explode in this building."

"You would miss my witty banter though. No one else can keep up with you like I can."

"Correction, no one wants to keep up with him like you do." Was Five's dry reply as she prepped the medical gear sitting in the getaway car. Shrugging, (Y/N) couldn't find fault with that statement. With a final ding, the files finished uploaded to the flash drive. Pulling it out, she gingerly stepped over the four guards that had rushed to greet her.

Slipping into the hallway and gently closing the door behind her, she rushed down the hallway, looking first right, then left to see if Billy was there. She heard a thud to her right and drew her gun as she turned to aim it at whoever was trying to sneak up on her.

"Gotta say, I'm afraid but also a little turned on."

It was Billy at the end of her barrel, holding his arms high.

Holstering her gun she rolled her eyes, "When aren't you feeling like that?"

"Good point, it's been my constant state since you joined the team."

Laughing, she grabbed his hand and started running down the hall of the home of the mobster they’d been infiltrating. He’d been a kingpin in one of the biggest sex trafficking rings in the world. But they had busted him, and it, wide open. (Y/N) had just leaked all of his documents to the FBI and to all major news sites, while downloading a copy for herself. The rest of the team had been making sure she had clear access to the computer and had been extracted awhile ago, it was just her and Billy left.

As they raced down the hallway, they felt a rumble, then,

BOOM.

An explosion rocked the building, bringing them up short, as they looked at where the staircase used to be.

"Well, fuck."

Feeling something tugging her arm, (Y/N) looked away from the inferno to Billy tugging her towards the window, "Trust me?"

"Always."

Smiling back at her, he gripped her hand tighter as they both took off for the window. As a second explosion racked the building, the glass erupted as they launched themselves through the window, body's rolled tight as they aimed for the bunting on the building across from them.

~~~

"FUCK does that hurt. Jesus Christ."

"You do this every time I have to patch you up. Why aren't you used to this? Better question, why do I still patch you up?"

"Because it's how we fell in love in the first place and you love taking care of me."

"Shut up" was her mumbled reply. Billy smiled smugly as he snuggled deeper into the chair he was seated in.

After they had landed on the bunting, rolling and thumping onto the street, they’d pushed themselves up and leaped into the getaway car as Two peeled out and away from the smoking wreckage.

They hadn't even noticed the scraps and cuts they’d acquired until the adrenaline had flowed out of their system and Five was yelling at them, telling them what fools they were and how dumb could they be.

Laughing, Billy drank in (Y/N)'s bright eyes, her mouth stretched into a smile as she hurled insults back at One and flirted shamelessly with Seven. He had slipped a hand onto her thigh with the first wink she’d aimed at Seven. Ignoring the weight of his hand on her thigh, she continued their banter. With every remark, wink or playful nudge, he moved his hand up her thigh until finally,

"Your hand is basically on her pussy can you two please get a room." Three groaned.

Two smacked him as (Y/N) blushed furiously, batting Billy's hand off her leg as Billy laughed, flicking his tongue over his lips.

Getting back to HQ, they tumbled out of the van. Voices overlapping and mixing with each other as they stumbled back to safety, everyone ready for a well deserved rest. (Y/N) was listening to Five explain the latest state of the art medical equipment they’d gotten when she felt the roughness of Billy's palm engulf her hand. Smiling, she squeezed his hand, feeling his palm press harder into her own and giving her butterflies all over again.

"That's even grosser than earlier." Seven snorted at One's comment but felt a tug in his heart at how easily they had slotted themselves back together.

They had emerged from the room they’d been in a few hours later, only to be met by whooping, pats on the back, congratulations being passed around and One loudly declaring how impressed he was with how they "banged it out."

Rolling her eyes she’d put her hands up, "Listen. Before this goes any further I just want to let you guys know what my decision is."

Billy's head had snapped up at that comment. Eyes widening he felt his stomach drop, she’d never specifically said what she had decided on. Feeling unsteady, he braced his hands on the back of a chair, sure he was going to snap it with his grip.

The air in the room became thick with anticipation. Everyone stilled to hear what her final verdict would be.

"I'm in. All in."

Her words were meant for everyone but her gaze stayed glued on Billy. The smile that broke across his face was enough to make her smile as his lips connected to hers, the rest of the room breaking into cheers and whoops and then disgusted groans as Billy deepened the kiss.

Since then, she had fit into the dynamic of the team like she’d always been a part of it. This had been their first official mission with her on board and they were all pleased with how it went. One even offered her a compliment on her competency during the debriefing.

(Alright, so it was a backhanded compliment but that was as good as it was going to get with One.)

Now, she and Billy were back at their shared airplane husk at HQ. Billy's favorite part of their place was the cross-stitch she had done that said "Husk Sweet Husk" with an airplane underneath. It warmed his heart every time he saw it.

Billy was in a chair as (Y/N) sat next to him on the same stool she had perched on the first time he arrived at her apartment. Five had taken care of the larger cuts but she still liked to patch him up whenever she could. It made her feel closer to him and it allowed them to come down from missions together.

"Would you stop squirming? I swear, you're worse than a toddler."

"I'm just trying to keep your skills sharp, love."

"You're about to meet the sharp end of my knife if you don't stop fucking moving."

"And there's that sharp tongue I fell in love with."

"Oh shut up." She smirked as a blush climbed up her cheeks, causing Billy to lean forward and pepper them with kisses as she threw cotton balls at him.

"I give up! You're impossible and on your own to patch yourself up."

"C'mon love, don't be a baby." He snickered as he grabbed her hand to pull her into his lap.

Tucking her head under his chin she pouted, "You know that always works on me, that's not fair."

"Who ever said anything in this relationship is fair?" He tickled her sides lightly until he heard a giggle leave her mouth. Smiling he pressed a kiss to her head as she snuggled deeper into his chest. Winding his arms around her, he squeezed her close. Their breaths synching up as they watched the last of the sun dip below the horizon.

Five minutes or an hour later, she wasn’t sure, she finally shifted with the intention of getting up when she heard Billy hiss.

Looking up at him with confusion, she furrowed her brows, "What?"

"You can't do that, love"

"Why not?" Shifting again she felt something poke her and let out a gasp, "Is that-?"

"It's definitely not my gun so yes. I am very happy to see you."

Laughing she unfolded herself from his arms, "Okay, sorry. I won't do that unless we're spooning and then I'll just 'accidentally' wriggle my butt around until you get hard again."

"It won't take long." The husky quality of Billy's voice caused her head to snap up. His eyes were hooded, boring into her own. The air between them thick with lust.

It had been like this ever since they’d been back together. Everything was a sexual innuendo or an excuse to touch each other. Seven thought it was because of how sexually frustrated Billy was after not getting laid for so long but they both knew it was because they needed the reminder.

Every caress, touch, kiss and sigh against each other's skin was a reminder that this was real, they were with each other. Every time Billy would grab her hand under the table during a meeting a jolt of electricity shot through her.

And every time (Y/N) brushed up against Billy or laid a hand on his back to move past him, his cheeks would flush, remembering that she was close enough to touch and he could touch her any time he wanted.

Neither of them took for granted the simplest things anymore. Passing touches, kisses on the cheek, hugging, holding hands, it all signified something bigger for them. That they could reach out and touch each other whenever they could. Every morning that they woke up, entwined in each others arms was another day that was going to be good, because they had woken up where they belonged.

(Y/N) broke their gaze first, cheeks burning as she shuffled back and forth, "Umm, Mark texted me by the way. He, Mary and Jean are going to FaceTime with us later so we better not get too heated."

"Why does your brother cockblock me at every possible time?"

"Because I'm his sister, it's practically his job."

It’d been tricky to navigate the after-math of the discovery of Billy's demise. She knew that no one knew if she was dead or alive but after negotiating with One, she talked him into taking Mark and Jean onto the team. Which hit another snag when they found out that Mark and Mary had started dating.

One had thrown his hands up when this knowledge came to his attention and cursed the day he brought this, "cluster fuck of a circus" into his group. Begrudgingly he had allowed Billy's mom, sister, Mark and Jean to come to HQ. As soon as they stepped foot in the plane, he had put the fear of God into them about this job, the dangers and how it was of mortal importance they keep their "fucking mouths shut." At which point, he had gone to the door, flung it open and walked out, "Oh and by the way, here's the problem that started this whole mess." he called over his shoulder as Billy walked into the room, sheepishly holding his hand up in a meek wave.

(Y/N) had let him have that moment alone. She figured that would muddy the waters and besides, everyone in there already knew she was alive and okay. They deserved to have time with just Billy. To process, to understand. It had killed her to wait for them to emerge from the room but it had been worth it when she saw Billy and his mother emerge from the room, their eyes red rimmed from crying, arms around each other.

Mark and Jean worked remotely most of the time. One would call them in for missions occasionally but they stuck to ground work and passed information off to One when need be.

Mary and Billy's mom kept quiet, still letting everyone believe that Billy was dead but buoyed by the fact that they could FaceTime him whenever they wanted. (Y/N) also knew that One sent updates to Billy's mom whenever he could and paid for her to come out to visit Billy at HQ when they were between missions. It warmed her heart and made his snarky comments easier to put up with.

Sighing, Billy hauled himself out of the chair, ambling towards the bathroom, "Well, come on then, better make the shower sex quick." He clamped his hands down around her waist as he nudged them towards the bathroom as her laugh rang out, bouncing over the sand dunes.

~~~

"FUCK. BILLY!"

With a final moan, Billy came inside (Y/N), both of them breathing heavily as they came down from their highs. After cleaning up, Billy collapsed into the bed, unfortunately landing right on top of her.

"OOF. Billy, c'mon." Shoving weakly at his form she knew it was a lost cause as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck.

"S'comfortable. You should just try to be less comfortable to lay on top of."

"How would that even work?"

"Get rid of your boobs."

Gasping, her hands flew up to her chest, "You know these are the money makers!"

"Of course I know that, love. Seven and Three know it as well."

Smacking his shoulder they both chuckled. As their breathing steadied, Billy rolled off her, bringing her into his chest where they snuggled deeper into the blanket they shared. Just as their eyes were closing,

BANG BANG BANG

"C'mon you two. Quit fucking for two seconds, One has a new mission for us."

Groaning, she buried her face into Billy's chest, "Tell One he can go fuck himself."

"You can yourself, darling. In about two seconds."

Dragging her body from the warm nest they had made, she stepped into the first pair of sweatpants she found on the ground, "Remind me again why I agreed to do this stupid job?"

Feeling Billy's hands on her shoulders, she twisted around only to be met with a deep lingering kiss from him, "Because I love you. And I can't do this life, or any life, without you being right next to me."

Pressing her forehead against his she smiled, inhaling deeply, "I love you."

"I love you, too. Also I'm so going to beat you to the control room."

Wha-?" her sentence was cut off as Billy raced from their husk, sprinting across the sand as best he could. An indignant snort left her as she took off after him, their laughter bouncing over the sand. Billy glanced back at her and didn’t know which was brighter, the full moon hanging above them or the warmth that radiated from (Y/N)’s laughing eyes as she raced to follow him to the ends of the world. Reaching a hand out, she grabbed his own as he tugged her forward into their next adventure.

~~~

Tag List: @itsabenthing @vroboat @mrhoemazzello @gwendolyns-stacy @alliwantfromyouistomakelovetome @desperatelytryingtosavemyself @jonesyaddiction @xtrashmammalstefx @radiob-l-a-hblah @fairestkillerqueenofall @acciodallas @peter-sue-the-management

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mattkenzie · 5 years

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So this year I was listening to some music the other day (I bought some CDs as I like to have something that I can physically hold) so I’m usually the guy who listens to rock and metal... But recently I’ve been listening to something that I don’t usually listen to “Dun dun DUN!” Musicals! So anyway I was listening to Say My Name (from Beetlejuice) on YouTube it does seem different from the old musical I disliked as a kid.

So anyway I was exposed to a musical Be More Chill (Two Rivers Theatre) and I loved how the music is so lively and upbeat. I enjoyed the humour (it’s pretty much my cup of Mountain Dew) but sadly due to this stupid law about distributing goods which contains a high amount of caffeine from the States we have to have our own “watered down” version of Mountain Dew without that crazy yellow colour and citrusy flavour that packs a punch (like explosive, but not sharp like 7up)... But I can make a mean UK variant of a “Mountain Dew Code Red” clone!). “Yes Squip... you love Lemon 🍋 but you hate Cherry 🍒”

My Fan Theory: So I thought I’d go straight to the plot point and talk about the plot device, the Super Quantum Unit Intel Prossessor (a.k.a S.Q.U.I.P) and why they originated from Japan. So I was watching this video from Gaijin Goomba a long time ago where he talked about his life living in Japanese society and since living there for a long time (as an english teacher). Gaijin Goomba was talking about this video MeMeMe (I won’t show as it’s NSFW) which has hit him home really hard with depression, so there were times he hid himself from his room where he is surrounded by his Manga and Anime. Now this is condition that is quite common in Japanese culture and the person who choose to live in recluse shutting themselves off from the world to become modern day hermits, known as a ‘Hikikomori’.

A Hikikomori is a person who shut themselves away from society by secluding themselves in their room and living off their parents and confine themselves to their rooms ignoring the world passing by them (this is considered shameful in Japanese society and the parents would keep their hikiomori son/daughter a secret from their friends, family and co-workers), so the hikikomori is surrounded by their love of video games, manga, anime, figurines, hentai... etc, all because that in their country Japan is a hyper competitive society. I know that in western society, we tend to joke about “the 40-something year olds who lives with their mother.”

Jeremy: You look like Keanu Reeves!

Sqiup: That is my default setting, I can be who you want to be, Jeremy. I can also be Sean Connery, Jack Nickleson or even a sexy anime female... tee hee hee.

Notice that the Squip quoted an ‘sexy anime female’ as one of it’s interface options so in my theory, I believe that Squips are pretty much aimed towards those who have high anxiety issues, little to no ambition or direction in their lives... Squips are aimed towards the hikikomori, so the Squip’s primary objective is to give the recluse subject an ‘incentive’ to leave their parents house or apartment by first becoming what they love the most... to become the subjects favourite fictional characters in a video game, tv show, cartoon or their favourite actors by becoming buddy-buddy with their subject by helping the hikikomori by not making the subject ‘cool’ but instead ‘independent’ by giving them basic life skills like cooking and go shopping. (Because in reality, their is a brother/sister program is the cheap and humane approach to get the hikikomori to come out of their rooms, get out of the house, get a stable job and become a reforming member of society.)

Starting with Be More Chill (Part 1) and pay attention to the lyrics.

youtube

Squip: (Song: Be More Chill, Verse 1) All your nerdiness is ugly.

Squip: (Part 1: Chorus) Oh everything about you is so terrible, whoa, everything about you makes me want to die.

We see that the Squip addressed Jeremy’s posture which is a start because posture is everything, next the Squip made an observation that Jeremy’s ‘nerdiness is ugly’ (like any typical Dad telling you stop being a kid, grow up, be an adult.) But put it in the perspective of a hikimomori, if the Squip did not once talked about the dangers of consumerism (though he should have) it wanted us to figure that one out on our own (as humans, we don’t) until later in the song in the second chorus and part 2.

In the first chorus the Squip is pleading to Jeremy that he needs ‘to live’ as a person (still no context) because the Squip wanted to say “I want to be your personal assistant, If you don’t live, I’ll have no purpose and I am giving you purpose in life, please don’t go down this path you’ll be no better than a hikikomori and I can’t live without you... I’m begging you!”

The second verse The Squip would request the subject to simply get a job (without using the words get a job) so it subtly told Jeremy to ‘buy a shirt’ because beyond school and college ‘the real world’ is competitive even in the Squip’s place of origin, Japan.

So in another chorus the Squip made a rebuttal that if Jeremy kept on living like a ‘nerd’ and a ‘slob’ the worst case scenario is that the childish things like anime and manga will become something more drastic... having hentai and porno magazines so the general public’s perception of you would be shameful and label you as a disgusting pervert ‘Everything about you [your lifestyle] sucks, you are such a slob’ (Yep, like the same traits Hikikomori that you didn’t gave us the heads up about the dangers of consumerism, Squip!) The Squip would go as far as literally going to the extremes of using ‘shock tactics’ to scare their hikikomori into looking at their lifestyle choices.

Now pay attention to the opening to Be More Chill (Part 2)

youtube

Squip: Now Repeat after me, oh everything about me is so terrible.

Jeremy: Everything about me is so terrible.

Squip: Good, Whoa, everything about you make me makes me want to die.

Jeremy: Everything about me makes me want to die.

Although the Squip didn’t mention (in detail) about the hikikomori lifestle, it went with the direct approach. “If you continue to like the life as a hikikomori, YOU WILL DIE ALONE because you are not living!”

But what happens if the subject chooses not comply with the Squip and rebel? Well the answer is simple, shocking the subject and gradually optic cloaking their parents to make the hikikomori think that their parents couldn’t put up with their anti-social behaviour anymore so the subject would believe that their folks gave up, packed up and moved. (Yep, the hikikomori could have the tendency to become violent so the Squip is protecting the subject’s parents so they won’t get hurt) and if the Squip fails to protect the subject’s parents, it would call the police.

My third case is controversial use for Squips and that is used on teenagers who have a cognitive behavioural disorder known as Chunnibyou this is known as Eigth-Grader Syndrome who consider themselves to be special (the chosen one, a hero, wizard, demon lord, angel, alien or a beast-kin) like symptoms and want these teenagers who refuse to let go of childish fantasies so the Squip tells the chouniibyou to grow up, stop believing that you are some sort of anomaly, you aren’t going to save or destroy the world because you know that deep down you are merely a human, you are a teenager who is slowly becoming an adult so act like one become members of society.

Final Synopsis:

It’s kind of a shame that a Squip doesn’t understand the concept of having a hobby but when you are an adult, society dictates that you have to let go of childish things because if you guys/gals and non-binary pals ever played Super Smash Bros. Brawl where you face Taboo in Subspace Emissary. You see, taboo is the final boss and in the dictionary it’s means:-

A social or religious custom that is prohibiting or restraining a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place or thing.

Because society tells us that “as adults we are too old to be watching cartoons, play with dolls/action figures... etc” so because the Squip originated from Japan maybe it’s mentality is similar to having a work/business ethnic. (They have a different language when at work so if you are not speaking “business formally” you could get fired!)

To me I am an adult and their is a fine line between responsibility and freedom because there are times where responsibility demands sacrifice (I am a former Magic The Gathering player, yes, I may suck at the game but I love the art) but Magic The Gathering cards aren’t going to put bread on the table, my graphic novels aren’t going to heat up my house and I also need electricity to play my video games. There are times when a brand NEW book will arrives in a month but deep down I can’t afford so I have to put a few books back on it’s shelf and buy them next time.

If a Squip was in the US (or in my case the UK) mental health is important so I would feel sorry for the Squip to not understand how great it is to have things to be passionate about. Yes, being organised is one thing I know I have bills to pay, clothing on my back and food in the fridge but it’s OK to let my hair down and let off some steam once in a while and be spontaneous have some fun.

#be more chill #squip #bmc squip

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jess-the-vampire · 6 years

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Sky And The Forces Of The Multiverse, Chapter 18

Previous / Next The whole thing came down quickly. First mason was depressed, hearing about the death of his poor plant. Then, his wings fell to the ground practically as he was told not only was he grounded, but his entire garden was being searched for any more dangerous plants and he wasn't allowed in his garden for as long as he was grounded. The devastation of the small boy was heartbreaking, not only to him, but to judas who couldn't help but take pity on the boy. But the worst seemed to be their parents, who hated having to punish their kids at all and were thankful they rarely had to do so. But they looked pained about talking down to their youngest son, having a hard time even looking the poor boy in the face. Marco seemed to want to reach out and comfort them about his plant but they held back in order to keep themselves under control. Tom's hand was on marco's back, patting it and keeping himself strict and calm. With the lucitor's history of anger issues, tom's cool demeanor during moments like these was impressive, even if he was hurt on the inside. Though the boy knew, it wasn't just mason who was to blame.

Judas's eyes naturally wandered to landon, knowing full well it was him who gave mason the seeds. Though judas himself couldn't help but feel a bit to blame himself for not saying anything about what landon had been doing for some time, he was just as guilty, wasn't he? Though landon, being the one to hand it over, still needed to say something. His eyes told landon to just admit he was the one who did it, but landon's mouth tightened and his eyes shifted. Judas was about to say something only to hear mason spill the beans through his cries. "Landon...gave me the seeds.....", the pink child immediately turned scarlet as his parents turned their disapproving and worried gaze towards him. He looked defeated, and judas could see he was holding back some tears, refusing to even look his mother in the face in particular. "You're not allowed to have your earth friend over for two weeks, and you'll be tasked with finding all the plants you gave to your brother so we can find them homes outside of the underworld, with assistance of course.", landon didn't even fight back, he had no reason to. He was caught for what he did and now he was in serious trouble. Judas could feel his brother's gaze, as if loathing him for being the only one out of the three of them to be off scott free for this entire incident. The entire room was silent, mason trying to hide in his wings, and not even letting his parents hug him before running off to his room. His older brothers watching him go sadly, before landon mumbled under his breath, asking to be excused as he went off to brood. Judas still said nothing, watching his siblings leave and seeing the sadness clear on his parent's faces. Sometimes he gave them too much flack for feeling like they weren't attentive enough as parents but...seeing them actually do something like this was never easy to watch. "It's for their own good....even if they're upset about it....", the queen sighed, wiping their tears. "Someone could've gotten killed and we just can't keep these things in the garden anymore, it's.....we can't....we can't make an exception this time.". Tom wrapped an arm around their partner and tried to comfort them as marco started to get a hold of themselves and address judas, "Sky is here to see you, she should be in sunny's current room, with her um....green haired friend. You might as well go see her...we'll see you at dinner judas.". "Mom, dad...I-I", he sighed, "I did know, landon was giving mason seeds....I-I'm sorry, i should of said something about it and told you.....". Tom looked up at him and nodded, "Judas, thanks for telling us....but....your brothers are still the ones most at fault....that's not going to change that.". His gaze was sad, seeing his parents so sad together seemed to tighten at judas's heart a bit. He was so used to them being so lovey that it was strange to see it otherwise. "Judas, you'll be brushing lucy's teeth every day for the next week, and cleaning out her pen......never let your brothers put themselves into danger again, ok?", judas nodded, his parents going back to comforting each other, "You can go now, you better not keep your friend waiting...". He partially wanted to stay, but leaving him parents some time to think was probably the better option as he nodded and went on his way, seeing his parents comfort each other as he left. Some day this had been. He was so bothered by what just happened he wasn't even all that eager about going to see sky and ask what she was here for. He almost wondered if he should go find his brothers but maybe he just needed to give all his family some space after such an incident. Maybe he just needed a walk, some time to be alone and think by himself. But then he closed his eyes and he turned his way towards sunny's room, he couldn't exactly abandon his best friend. Especially since she'd been waiting hours to see him anyway most likely. He had to go see her and see what this was all about. Though he felt his body slog and his eyes just look to the floor the entire time, he felt so unfocused, and his arm twitched for a moment. Forcing judas to hold back his current feelings, no, not today. Last thing he needed today was an accident, he needed to focus on the matter at hand and keep himself under control. His brothers and parents needed space and maybe spending time with his friends could get his mind off things, and then worry about it later, right? He knocked on the door of sunny's room, pressed his forehead against it and sighing. "Hey sky, i'm finally back, my mom said you had something to say to-AHHH". The door opened, and judas almost fell before getting a hold of himself and meeting the eyes of galexia of all people. Judas gaped at her at first before reverting back to himself, taking a look around the familiar guest room to spot sunny sitting on the bed and waving at him, and a multicolored blob sleeping on the bed next to her. Sunny's face said it all, as her legs swung off of the side of the bed and she smiled sadly, "I heard mason crying, he knows about the incident......right?". Jude could only nod a little bit, taking a seat next to the smaller demon, "He and landon are both grounded, they ran off.....we're uh.....we're all not doing too well." His eyes glanced to lexi, who went back to drawing, and then to sunny. "Mom told me she found you in there, you sure you're alright?", the girl seemed unharmed on the outside, unless....she used magic to remove her bruises? "You know me, i can handle myself...". "Yeah.....", he rubbed his arm on instinct, "I know....". "I'm really sorry about your brothers....", a tiny hand patted the tall boy on the back, "Landon sounds really hurt.....and sky told me how upset mason gets when he loses something.". Judas rubbed his face before pulling at his hair, avoiding his horns. "It just wrecks my folks to have to ground any of us.....they hate having to yell or even be remotely aggressive to any of us. It's just......i hope dinner tonight doesn't turn out super awkward or anything.". "Heh...too late for that...", sunny sighed, her red eyes losing their usual spark, "Reminds me of my brother, when he gets scared or has a nightmare....and i'd have to hold him and tell him everything was going to be alright and he was safe, we're all kinda gentle with him most of the time because we don't want to upset him.". Her fingers linked together, "He used to get so scared when he first got his own bedroom.....i hope he's not scared while i'm gone.....". This talk was starting to get depressing more then anything, and they only snapped out of it because of sky's small snores next to them. "Heh, guess she was tired...", judas was able to smile at the sight of his friend fast asleep, drooling on the bed. "Yeah, she wanted to pass the time, that or....she wanted an excuse to not here me continue talking about angel...", the boy's attention sparked to sunny, "You were talking to her about angel? What about?". The small girl sighed, "I talked to angel, that time i interrogated him? I was kinda thinking maybe he just wants attention, to be your friend and uh....sky didn't like it...". "Wait, angel wants to be our.... what?", "Well, he says he doesn't but...yeah, i think he'd like for you all to be...friends. Well, then again, he thinks i was being nice to him because i feel sorry for him and he uh....he didn't seem to like that very much."., she rubbed the back of her head, "And i do feel bad for him, I do.....i didn't know that was a bad thing though.....". Her tiny legs swung off the bed and her eyes lingered on them, "I guess i really should've known better then to think I was going to do much, you both know him so much better....". The boy blinked at her before turning his head to look off in the distance and think, "You know, i've kinda told sky similar stuff....well, not the friend stuff, but that maybe we could at the very least be on good terms with each other before things got any worse. But well, sky reacted the same way.....she and angel have always been kinda stubborn....and look, don't worry i know you didn't mean harm, angel's just never been an easy guy to talk to.". The small girl was thinking to herself still, licking at her lips, "You know, what do you think of angel? You seem to like him more then sky but you also kinda tell him off...". "Hm?". "I saw you do so....at the sleepover...". "Oh? Well uh.....well, we're not friends, but not enemies exactly either. I think angel...well....angel, i think he has the best intentions at heart, and i don't think he's a terrible person. He's just well....he's stubborn, irrational, careless, and overall has issues he needs to work out. Though, seeing his parents and how they have little control over him...it's not wonder there's so many issues over there...". There was clearly some irritation in his voice as he said that last bit. "But his parents seem so nice?", sunny squeaked out, "I mean, they offered us food, they love seeing you, and they love angel...right?". She stared into the boy's eyes with worry as he quickly reassured her, "Well no, they're very lovely people and i mean no ill intent to them, but they can't ever find a way to control their son. Angel walks all over them, he does whatever he wants, causes issues for everyone in mewni and skips his lessons and they just...they just kept letting it happen....i mean i'm not a parent and i know things are rough, i just think i dunno....they need to get him under control more. They're his parents....there has to be a better way to take care of him when this stuff happens.....at least...maybe the lessons are a good start". He crossed his arms, taking in the silence, "Angel wasn't always like that you know? He used to be this small kid who wouldn't leave his parents side during his first ball with us, but his parents wanted him to make friends, and i guess he'd never done that before because some of the kids were kinda mean to him and he was kinda mean back and things escalated from there when he learned more about the butterfly family. I kinda wish at the time, i'd have approached that kid, and asked to show him around and be friends....but well...I was no better. My arm was chained and only sky could stay near me because she was my best friend...". "Your arm was...chained?". "It was a long time ago but....yeah, the high commission made me wear this big metal glove around my arm before i went anywhere....i couldn't even use my right arm with it....it sounds bad i know, but it was better then their other idea.....", he went silent for a moment before speaking up again, "But it's ok now! My parents pushed back against it and i only ended up wearing it for a few months...but that's besides the point....i uh...anyways i just....sometimes i feel like i could've prevented a lot if i hadn't been so scared back then...". "You blame yourself a lot...", Sunny noted, "I don't think it was your fault jude, for how nora and angel turned out....y'know?". "Maybe, but....i'd like to do something, now, if i could.". "Well, it's never too late to make that up now......right?", the boy reached up to ruffle the small girl's hair, "No, no it's not....maybe if things get easier i'll drop by his lessons with sky, talk to him. We might be able to make some kinda convo....if he's actually willing to listen.". Judas didn't seem to find sunny's attitude towards angel to be nearly as strange as sky did, and sunny felt a bit of relief in knowing she didn't sound crazy to at least someone for having sympathy for the prince. "You think i should wake sky now or wait for her to wake up? Sorry, i didn't mean to ramble on for so long......guess we really are related....", there was a moment of laughter between them as they felt a small cough from behind them. Sky was finally awake, the talking between the duo most likely waking her up from her rest. Her hair was a mess and she looked rather groggy as she fixed her hat and sat up, yawning. "You guys didn't forget about me did you?". Jude's smirk was enough to make sky grumbled even more, before realizing the whole reason she was even here was because she was going to speak to him. Her eyes looked to sunny first, "Did you tell him or do i have to tell him?", judging by her reaction sky already knew the answer as the boy blinked at her. "Wait a second, what's going on, this isn't a another emergency is it? Or did you find something out about the masked creep? Oh, i'm sorry about my compact....no connection up there for some reason....weird for the ponyheads but..fine.". "No it's more like...", she looked off to galexia, "We were considering.....well.....sneaking into nora's room during certain periods of time so we can well..spend time together and uh...have nora look more into your arm.". Sunny nodded along, "Yep, we talked to nora, she's totally cool with it, it's just kinda the only way we can think of to y'know...get you to speak to her.". The prince was gaping at her, needing a minute to process what she had just told him. "Wait, you tell me you snuck out to see her and get us to hang out...? You know how much trouble we could get into...right?", he sounded partially upset, and kinda amused to know sky went on a mission to sneak into a kingdom on her own. "Yeah, I know-". Then big strong arms wrapped around the bluenette, judas holding his friend tight, "Thanks sky, i mean, you really should not have done that for me, and we'll get grounded if anything happens. But, thank you for going through the effort for me and nora to talk again.". That demon strength was something sky was never going to get used to, but she wrapped her arms around judas anyways, "Hey, it's not really a big deal, remember, I owe you one?". "Yeah, yeah you did...". He hugged her for what felt like a solid minute before letting his friend go, his shoulders falling, "We'll probably get busted for this but.....then again it wouldn't be the first time we snuck out together.", sky just shook her head at him, "You're not as responsible as you like to think......sneaking out of the castle to enter a girl's room. You're secretly evil under that smile Judas i swear to heck...".He laughed as she plopped back down, "I'll tell nora tonight and we'll work it out, make it official, and everything...". "Thanks sky....again...", he plopped down next to her, sunny squeeing and falling down as well on the bed. "Luna's gonna be SO mad though....that you're prioritizing this over y'know, finding out this masked person?". They all shared a collective sigh of agreement, "She will, but maybe....well, nora is really knowledgeable. Maybe we can ask her some questions and she might be able to help. We can't rule out the masked person living in her kingdom can we...?". Then sky remembered something, "Well, i could even...contact katrina, i mean...she did like...give me something i think is supposed to help us talk again. I mean, she does kinda do spywork, soooo.....masked creeps might be something she's used to". Judas stared at the ceiling, counting the bumps on the walls of the underworld, "Then you better speak to her, i just hope when we do catch that guy, they have the answers we need....i'd hate to catch them and find...well...they're not what we're looking for.". "Well it kinda goes hand in hand doesn't it? Powerful magic user, powerful inter dimensional magic and corruption?". "If they did that, they have to have knowledge of the multiverse, even your wand.....ugh i hate thinking about it but luna had a point in accusing our parents and it makes it worse when you think about the details. I know they'd never do it but we both know they'd be powerful enough to do what that masked creep did. They've been doing magic forever and they've taken down powerful opponents and.....to a degree is it bad i almost wish it were my parents?". "Why would you want your parents to be thieves?". "No no, it's just....if they were, at least i could feel like....there wasn't another dangerous threat out there...y'know?", he struggled to lay his head on it's side, "I don't want them to face any threat that might...hurt them, and i know my parents would never lay a finger on any of us. But then problem is, they have no reason to steal anything, to break in? To do any of it? Every time something goes wrong everyone worries it's all connected and it's freaky....even loki seems stranger then usual, and we're being broken into, and then mason's plants went on a rampage...". "Yeah, it's like the dude just wants to draw attention to themselves or something...". "Maybe they do..." "Hmm?" Both royals turned to sunny, who was lost in thought, "Maybe they don't want anything, maybe they just find it funny to watch us squirm and panic. Making our worlds all out of wack, messing with the things that are most important to us? I remember a boy back when i was smaller that did stuff like that, liked to cause trouble and mess with other kids cause he found it funny. Maybe this magic user doesn't want the kingdoms or treasure, they just want to mess with all of us....". "Well, they succeeded....". The room was quiet for a moment as the team was left to their thoughts, just the sounds of scrabbling nearby. Sky didn't even feel like getting up, no doubt her moms were gonna ground her for this when she got back. She was going to have to sneak out again to speak to nora and she couldn't help but want to hit something, everything was just getting better and better wasn't it? But she couldn't stay for long, especially not in this underworld heat. "SKY SKY!!" Sky almost jumped as lexi waved some drawings in the girl's face, "I made some cool stuff! You guys wanna come over and see!?". Sky looked as though this was the last thing she felt like doing right now but on cue sunny got up to go see her friend's work and judas managed to get up and see as well, probably wanting to think about something other then his brothers or evil entities at this point in time. Sky managed to get her groggy body up and off the comfy bed to join the rest of the group. Sunny was already complimenting her doodles and judas was looking at them with praise, the brunette squealing at their reactions as she kept on drawing and drawing. "I have had SO many cool dreams lately i just HAD to draw them....". Seemed the whole "Attacked by a plant" thing didn't really seem to bother her at all, she looked just as happy as she always did. Sky looking over all the sketches laid out on her desk, some were even of them by the looks of it. "You...have a very active imagination....", she noted, "I don't even know how you manage to draw so much, don't you like....ever get tired?". But the girl shook her head, "Nah, I wanna get my stuff down first, then sleep, don't wanna forget it the next day!". She kept on scribbling as sunny admired a picture buried underneath some others, "Oo! Look at this one! There's eclipsa and uh.....hey is this meteora?". Lexi nodded happily, "Meteora is nice, she likes to watch me draw....". "Awww, she used to teach me some magic and stuff back home, i miss her.......ooo, here's one of you judas!", she handed him a doodle and he held it up to look over, it was indeed him, though galexia drew his monster arm, and upon closer inspection noticed his eyes were glowing, "Yeah, have to agree with sky, very active imagination.....". He almost felt a bit of pain in his cursed arm for a moment as he put the piece down with the others. As sunny looked over some more he butted sky, eyeing her. "Hey uh.....can i come with you....to see nora about the planning i mean. I kinda just.....i don't feel like being alone with my family right now, it might help me get my mind off things....", and sky wasn't one to disagree with a face like that. "Yeah, it's ok, nora expects me anyway, so we can totally teleport in this time....as long as i uh.....y'know, remember all the spells i need to make sure we don't get caught super immediately?". She needed at least SOME of that training with her mom to pay off, even if most of it sucked. Even judas was giving her a funny look, he knew her a little too well, and sometimes sky hated it. "So basically you're saying I should be prepared to use some of MY spells in case nora's folks find us and your wand decides not to work today...right?"". Yep, knew her just a tad too well, sky made a face and he laughed. "Don't worry, we should be fine, but i am glad you''re getting better at magic anyways, i like seeing you really try and improve y'know?". She looked over at the table of giggling girls and smiled to herself. "Thanks jude...". - Sky wasn't even here yet and nora was already panicking, books flying off her shelves as she tried to organize everything and clean it all up. She found her mind trying to remember if judas or sky were picky about their surroundings or didn't mind sitting in what she considered her messy room. Being part slime only made her efforts worse as her slimy hair made a mess everywhere it went, making everything sticky and goopy and did little to help some of the feature it seeped into over years of this. She shouldn't be panicking, sky was just coming to tell her jude's answer, but she was caught so off guard last time and she wasn't making the same mistake again. She fumbled around, making sure to hide anything that would be too embarrassing to show in public. She didn't exactly have friends in her room very often, or at all for that matter. How was she even supposed to prepare for this? Was she supposed to prepare snacks and drinks for her? God, she didn't know what she was doing. She was a mess right now, she was freaking out again about this and she probably had no reason to. Sky really would't care about her room would she? I mean, her room was WAY messier then hers wasn't it? Why was she in such a panic about this? It's not like she was being forced to hold a gala was she? She plumped down on her bed, she wasn't even here yet and nora felt like hiding her face in embarrassed shame. This was so stupid, so ungodly stupid of her. Maybe sky shouldn't come at all, maybe when she shows up she should tell her she changed her mind about this idea altogether and that she and judas should leave her alone. But Nora knew she didn't actually want that, she felt...excited to have them show up, to have other kids she'd get to see daily and hang out with, even if it was limited. No doubt their royals schedules would get in the way of things but at least sometimes was better then nothing...right? Ever since she agreed to it she felt like backing out, every muscle in her body was telling her she needed to back out of this and have things return to the way they were. But she couldn't seem to let the words slip out of her mouth, holding them in and keeping to her word. She was still willing to work more on judas's condition, and she knew him and sky would be incredibly disappointed if she told them she no longer wanted to speak to either of them. She didn't like admitting she was mad at her parents for being in this situation but she knew she was. She hadn't felt this excited about something since.....forever it felt. Even sky, even sky thought she was cool, even cool enough to make her a hat? Nora almost felt like smiling, calming down enough to relax on the bed. Her mom went to sleep hours ago and time was only ticking untill- The sudden burst of fire caught nora entirely odd-guard, so much so that she almost tried to put them out before realizing who was standing above her. A handsome faced purple demon with dark brown hair, three eyes, curly ram horns, and a small mole and next to him was a pretty girl with dark blue hair, blue eyes, a signature monster hat to match her clothes, and purple spade cheek marks. She froze almost instantly at seeing their faces, processing the situation. Sky didn't tell her judas was coming... "Uh...hey nora?". And by the sounds of it, he totally knew that was well. "Uh...Surprise?", sky said weakly. Nora clearly hadn't prepared mentally for both of them to be here tonight like she was preparing to do for when they actually would have these meetings. Now she felt herself stating to panic and start to sweat, at a loss of words before sky quickly came to her rescue. "Sorry nora, judas asked to come over and talk about this whole thing with you and well, i can't exactly call you and tell you, hope you don't mind or anything. Though maybe it's better we all agree on time and everything...". "I-I.....i'm sorry if i might've came at a wrong time or anything but well.....I figured i probably should be here. Considering you're doing this mostly for me, y'know? I appreciate that you're willing to do all this to help me and hang out and uh.....you don't have to do so much for me you know?". Nora was still frozen but she managed to shake it off and pull on her hair, "Well, i just wanted to help and i just thought...if i could, shouldn't i? I just....I'm sorry i'm making this sound weird." "What? No no, it's ok! Truthfully, it's a scary moment and maybe in my right mind i know you shouldn't do it. But.....it's also not fair that you don't...well, really get to hang out with friends...maybe if we well, figure something out, we can convince them you should be able to go out on your own.", Sky looked over to him knowingly. Judas typically wasn't one for breaking rules, especially ones his parents made, but she couldn't help but notice how willing he was to break rules for nora. Even at risk of getting caught. Kinda like he did with her. "Look, if anything happens....i'll take the blame.....i'm the one whose been pushing this and it only feels fair if anything happens i'm the one who needs to deal with it.", this sparked nora's interest, and sky was worried she was about to panic, "Wait, please don't blame yourself....i told sky.....i don't want you both....being hurt because i agreed to this. If you guys get blamed i'll never forgive myself.....this....it's my choice and i should be the one who deals with it...". "But nora...". "Judas...please.....I-I'm nervous about this, but....i don't want you two to blame yourselves...". Judas seemed like he wanted to fight back against this, but he didn't push her any further on the matter. Accepting her words on the matter if only because it would make her happy, though sky could tell he was still very troubled. Nora looked off to the side, "If it's too much trouble you don't really have to do this.....i don't wanna be a burden and make you worry about me so much.". Sky felt judas move past her and sit next to nora on the bed, her face turning away from his. "No, no, nora you're not a burden....we want to help you.....t-this isn't just about my arm....". He grabbed onto his wrist, sighing, "Might be hard to believe but I've kinda had a hard time making a ton of friends, at least, other then sky. My brothers rarely leave the castle because our citizens weren't happy with us and our parents created us, created imperfect heirs. The high commission once considered locking me up, you know? I was void of making friends and meeting new people and had to earn the respect of the few people who do think i'm worth respecting...". His fist clutched, "I-I don't......I don't want you to feel the same way.....like you can't make friends or can't find someone out there who cares about you. Who knows where i'd be if my parents hadn't pushed for me to hang out with royals more and egg me on to be a great king, especially when i still have issues making friends and gaining respect today. I-I....feel like i let you go through this when i could've made an effort to get to know you and speak to your sooner....and....if it means breaking the rules....it's worth it...we're the future of our kingdoms right? We should be allowed to talk to each other.". "You're doing a lot just for me....". "Is that ok....?". She turned to face him, "No one's ever done this much for me before...are you sure you guys are.....ok with.....this...?". Judas nodded, "Yeah, we're gonna make it official that we hang out, even if it's not that often.". Nora looked at him and smiled a bit and sky was sure she'd hug him if the girl could convince herself to do so but she resisted, her eyes turning away and her going back to mumbling to herself. "So....w-we could.....have a few hours on uh.....weekends, i checked my stuff and.....i think i can make some time in the afternoon, before dinner...". "That could work....", The three exchanged smiles and glances as sky took a seat on the bed, finally joining her friends. Adding another thing to her plate was probably a bad idea in retrospect but judas's smile seemed enough to ease her up on it. By the time they finished working things out they had agreed to meeting between 4-6 in the afternoon as their schedule during the weekends. Though sky secretly wished they made their schedule as an excuse for her to skip her lessons with angel. The parting was sad, but at least judas seemed better as he reassured sky he had ideas to avoid getting caught. Sky couldn't help but wonder if she was a bad influence on the boy at this point, as she knew all the scrapes he got into were usually because of her throughout their entire childhood. And then she couldn't help but wonder as he smiled the biggest grin ever, showing off his fangs and bringing some life into all of his eyes, if that really wasn't such a bad thing. - Celeste grumbled at the knock on her bedroom door, finally she gets some alone time and it's interrupted? Seriously? After hearing luna yammer on and the headache celeste was getting just thinking about the fact she was going to be forced to investigate in the woods, she just wanted some time to herself, was that so hard? As soon as she even got back everyone was talking about some crazed plat attack or something and it almost made it hard for her to go to her room, her personal guards still following her. Honestly she was surprised they hadn't seemed to have heard her conversation with luna but honestly knowing luna she soundproofed her bedroom as soon as she started staying there. Though that still raised the question how celeste was supposed to shake these two off if she was supposed to investigate the woods. Her thoughts briefly distracted her as the knocking got louder, and she grumbled louder in response, forcing herself up and to answer it. Finding a pink demon with baggy eyes and a rather pained expression waiting for her. "Hi...", landon, hiccuped through his words, "Can i-I use the bathroom, yours was the closest....". Celeste didn't even say anything witty, moving aside to let the crying boy in. Though, landon seemed to be forcing back any tears he could, replacing them with angry glares and a rather sour attitude. Well, more sour then it usually was with him. Celeste was tempted to just ask him what the problem was but still said nothing, the demon entering her bathroom and shutting the door behind him. She'd never seen landon cry since she first arrived here and seeing him cry now....made her wish she hadn't seen it. "Uh....landon?". She approached the door and knocked on it, "Hey uh......is everything ok or...whatever?". Only to be met back with a yell from the inside, "GO AWAY". Yeesh, and everyone here called HER bitter and rude. She snorted and almost turned around, but grumbled and instead turned the handle and entered the bathroom. The pink demon was washing his face in the sink and as the door opened he was startled and fell back, falling on the hard floor. Celeste suddenly froze in place, welp, that was a bad idea. Landon grumbled under his breath, not moving as he groaned in pain on the floor. Celeste could swear she could hear him mumbling some rather crude things under his breath as he struggled to get up. And out of the flicker of her eye, celeste could spot something long and dark pink on his person. Landon standing up and rubbing his arms, only now allowing her a good view, the long objects wagged back and forth and ended in a spaded tip. As landon finally got himself under control, he noticed the girl's eyes and where they were looking and red faced he grabbed onto the limb and tried to force it back under the protection of his ripped jeans. "A tail huh?". "Shut up.". "Yikes, it's just a tail, i could've seen WAY worse...". "Leave me alone, what in the heck are you doing, barging in the bathroom while i'm here?!", she almost couldn't help thinking to herself how much this boy really did share with his father, judging by his slight temper and rather rude glare. "Well i dunno, why did you come into MY room to use the bathroom in the first place? Aren't you the prince? Why are you coming to me? Can't you go and talk to your boyfriend or something instead anyways?". "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!", landon yelled louder before his sudden burst of anger died down and his parent's punishment sinked back in once again, "I-I'm grounded, I-I.....we can't hang out for a bit...I needed a place to clean up and I told you, you were the closest, so...there...". He wiped his face, "And shut up about my tail, it's none of your concern, it's my tail i'll show it off if i want to show it off...". He walked past her, making the effort to leave, "Look, i just wanted to see if you were ok, that's it....alright?!". He stopped and turned to look at her, "Could've done it without making me fall and almost break a horn..". He kept a move on, clearly still incredibly embarrassed about the boyfriend comment and having his tail exposed. What was so embarrassing about having a tail anyway? The boy already had pink skin, three eyes, and horns, a tail couldn't make his appearance that much weirder then he already was right? He reached for the handle as she sucked up her feelings and mumbled out some words that perked landon's interest. "What did you say?". "I'm sorry.....". That has to have been the first time landon ever heard her say anything like that since she arrived. He almost wondered if he misheard her for a moment as she turned her head away from him and sighed, "So, are you leaving or not?". Landon almost smiled as he headed out the door, closing it behind him and leaving the girl alone once again to mope. She sighed, and fell face-first into her mattress, some day this had been. Wonder if the days following would be any better? - Mason had barely left his room since he'd been grounded, and though seeing nora to be better friends with her had made judas feel better the status of his brothers sill seemed to be bothering him. Though sky's week only got worse when eclipsa indeed, agreed to teach her and angel, and the day of the first class finally arrived. Regardless of judas and sunny's words that she could totally make friends with the monster prince, she was less then happy to be stuck in the same room with him. Her mother's lessons weren't exactly "Fun", but they were better then being stuck with a boy she'd been kicking out repeatedly for what felt like forever. Melaine had even been there to cheer her on during those lessons and now she couldn't because she had earth school. Though that didn't stop her from texting sky about getting some samples of angel's venom for her to keep, wanting to take it to show to her fellow peers. Sky thought judas was taking mel too seriously but maybe he had a point about her being a bit obsessive with some of this magic stuff. Luna only gave her a passing glance as sky made her way to eclipsa's tower, the kingdom was still heavily guarded and she had barely seen her parents since breakfast. She almost wondered if they were closer to catching the guy then they were, but then again, it was her mom, so maybe that's why. Eclipsa was even waving to her, clearly having a pleasant chat with Angel's father as the boy stood by, examining the rose garden. Sky honestly couldn't recall if in all angel's time being a nusense he had ever been in the gardens before. Eclispa laughed before patting the back of the king, sending him off, "Oh, and i wish Arana well!". The king nodded and gave his son a glance that told him to behave as he lifted himself up and went on his way, leaving sky alone with her sorta grandma and a prince who wouldn't look her in the face. Eclipsa looked between them and clapped her hands together, "Well, now this will be a fun crowd won't it? C'mon you two, lessons are going to be in here.". Angel looked a little nervous about entering the strange woman's tower but followed her up, sky right behind him. Eclipsa's room seemed about the same as when sky was last in it with judas but it seemed she cleaned it up a little now knowing she was going to have guests, sky could even spot some of her books lying around. What exactly did eclipsa plan on teaching them anyway? It wasn't like angel could do magic like she could? Were their ruling methods even remotely similar? "Make yourself at home, do you drink tea young man?". "Uhhhh......". "Not much of a talker, ahhh, that's ok, don't worry, i don't bite...". Eclipsa seemed to be enjoying the situation a little too much for sky's taste. Probably because she had very little interaction with sky's friends or any of the royals around her age, and now being in the presence of one had her more then excited. "Don't mind him, i'll take some tea or whatever....", sky grumbled, taking a seat as angel took in his surroundings with all four of his eyes, he was standing on her normal feet now, legs folded up behind him. "Your room is....nice.."., Despite everything, Angel had always been rather polite for a bit of a bratty prince. It seemed he was more interested in maintaining the look of a prince then doing the actual duties of a prince, and sky felt herself roll her eyes again. He looked so timid, his pointed ears twitching and his four eyes scoped the room as though it were a new species of animal. He seemed to practically be taking as little space as he possibly could be, wrapping his arms around himself. "Thank you...", she was already boiling some water, "You know, i dated an Arachman once, your species is quite polite, though, i will say, i can't entirely get passed the hairy legs or the pincers. Kissing with a chance of being paralyzed just wasn't for me...though i'm sure some others are more into it". Angel was slightly red-faced in embarrassment, sitting down next to sky, who simply scooted away from him. She was just going to get through this day, without letting angel bother her, was that really so hard? Apparently it was as she found herself trying to calm down and not make a scene of this. Usually judas would be here to handle the situation but now that he wasn't, and they weren't fighting, it made for an unusual dynamic. Angel didn't even seem to know what to do with himself, playing with his hands and twitching in his seat. He'd probably never been invited to someone else's castle in this fashion for so long he didn't know how he was supposed to act or what he should even say. Sky was half expecting him to say something rude about the butterflies to eclipsa but the situation was so strange even he seemed too perplexed to do what he normally did. Though considering his mother had high respect for eclipsa maybe he had no intention throwing words at the woman his mother admired while she was ill. Eclipsa handed sky her tea and handed angel a teacup as well, sky's was purple with hearts on it and angel's was red with little stripes, "I might as well not leave you out, go on drink up, i know your kingdom isn't quite the richest or the most stable at this point in time, this might relax you a little.". Angel grumbled, "That's not my fault....", only for the queen to smirk at him. "Oh, we know it isn't, it'll be a long time before everything is truly fixed in mewni since the wounds are still fresh, but, things will hopefully improve...your kingdom isn't going hungry anymore and i can see your people have been getting fresher clothes..". He put the teacup down and leaned on the couch, elbow on the arm and head against his fist. "We produce silk.....or at least...we've been starting to once again.......", he mumbled it under his breath, it was almost a whisper. But it caught sky's attention immediately, "Wait, you've been producing silk? Since when? You make webbing using magic? I've never seen you make silk?". Angel looked rather flustered, turning his head away, "Because I don't make silk, i'm a prince. But considering you stole magic away from the monsters who needed it we hadn't done that practice in centuries.....until recently when some of our kind started being able to produce it once again despite the little magic we have...". "That's.....weird...". "Weirder then your main crop being corn? It at the very least means we might be able to do trade once again...", eclipsa seemed to be enjoying the situation, smiling to herself as the two royals made awkward small talk and gave each other looks."Actually, i believe with enough magic your species can go feral right? I've never seen one of you do it but i hear it's impressive and terrifying", He blinked at her, crossing his arms, "I uh....well, yeah, but with little magic we can't seem to do it anymore....but yeah it's uh...wait....Feral? It's called our ultimate form!". Sky grumbled loudly, not really caring to continue this conversation and get back to the point at hand, "Ugh, so uh....when is the lesson starting exactly?", only for the woman to shrug, "I honestly didn't have much of a plan but i kinda think you two are starting to learn a bit more about each other on your own.". "You know that's not gonna be enough for either of our parents....right?". "Oh no, but it's probably much for fun for both of you then reading dusty old books i assume?", she giggled against the cup, if given the choice sky would probably take dusty old books over spending "Quality time" with angel any day but this at the very least was better conversation then what she had had with the prince for months. She wondered if he was in any way bothered by the tasing incident now that she thought about it. She could even feel the taser she kept in her jacket pocket now just in case she ran into the masked criminal and her wand was a pain. "Anyways, i'm very happy your family is starting to fully recover from that kinda stuff, if your folks ended up too desperate they could honestly have had your marry into money or another kingdom to help out. Well, that's what my mother did of course, though it was a time of war and honestly...i think sky and her royal friends are WAY more of a catch then he ever was anyway...actually, that reminds me, how do you feel about sky?"., sky looked almost repulsed and angel was frozen, pinker then he already was. "Eclipsa!!! UGHH!", sky honestly should've seen this coming considering this is what eclipsa did most of the time when she talked about angel to her but it was more humiliating for her to bring it up right in front of the boy. Worst part was she couldn't just walk out of the room this time, otherwise her mom would never let her hear the end up it. She just gave eclipsa a look and pulled at her hair a bit, hoping angel would never mention eclipsa's weird ideas or ignore it entirely. Gee, weeks of this were going to be fun. Angel didn't provide an answer to eclipsa's teasing, not even trying to talk back to eclipsa at the very least for even suggesting the idea of dating sky or any of the royals despite how normally prideful he was about being too busy to care about that. Not getting a reaction, Eclipsa shrugged and simply grabbed one of the books nearest to her to get back on track much to sky's relief, "I'm not entirely sure of the limitation of what i'm allowed to teach either of you but i might as well start with something fun. You want to hear about some of the strangest queens to ever rule mewni? We had some ruthless queens around here but we also had some who i'm not sure why they were allowed to rule...". The two exchanged glances as eclipsa opened up the book and started "Teaching " them. Sky couldn't help but ask herself what angel had been told eclipsa by his family, because it seems this was the last thing then what he had been expecting, being taught by one of the most powerful and intelligent queens to ever rule. He might've been expecting to hear about the dark arts or maybe about some of the more serious history of mewni, but whatever it was..it wasn't this. Eclipsa was witty and smarter then she was given credit for, but she was also playful and silly. There was no way they were going to have a boring lesson along the lines of earth school according to melaine was, especially since eclipsa didn't quite take this role as seriously as someone like grandma moon would. However, she seemed to be having a blast, seems she never really got to talk much about her findings on monsters and strange castle secrets all that much to anyone. By the time the lesson was over sky was still a little speechless. She really hoped there wasn't a test on what monsters were best to kiss and the 10 most disgusting spells because in no way was she ever going to explain that to judas if he asked her. However, she did notice eclipsa's rambling about subjects did at the very least, keep her and angel from spatting at each other throughout the entire thing as they were too focused on the things eclipsa had been talking about to really pay any attention to each other. Not that she blamed him in this case, he was less used to the woman then sky was. As angel was sent off back home, he said very little and his father thanked eclipsa as she waved both of them off. Sky staring at the monster royals as they left the premise, unsure exactly if she should leave or ask eclipsa over a dozen questions about what in the heck just happened. But eclipsa seemed ahead of the game, "Charming boy, a little more quiet then i thought he was.....but i think he'll be left in thought for a little while, don't you?". Sky pulled at her dark locks, "Ugh.....please...don't talk about "Us" in that way again, i'm REALLY not into that jerk.". Eclipsa snorted at her and shook her head, "Awww, you know me, i'm just thinking about grandkids, though you two would make a FASCINATING couple. Never seen a butterfly paired with a spider before.". Sky tried to hide inside her hat, "Just, never say that again, got it? You're kinda supposed to teach us....not set us up together...". Then she looked off to the side, "Though.....i didn't uh...expect to learn about which queens angered the mewmans the most..". She smiled at sky's funny expression, "Pft , well I figured you both might have a better time learning some fun facts more then anything boring for your first lesson anyway, and besides, you'd be surprised how helpful some of that info actually is to know about....you can learn a lot even from the smallest and insignificant of facts.". She patted sky on the head, "All knowledge is good knowledge sky.....but don't worry, we'll get into a bit more of the meat as time goes on, and i do think you'll like some of the stuff i have planned". She headed back inside her tower, closing the door behind her and leaving sky outside to well...be dismissed. She shook her head to shake it off, it was eclipsa being eclipsa, she really shouldn't be acting weird about it. At least it was....different, from other lessons she had before. She went to text judas, heading back to her room as she passed by luna passing next to her. Sky turning around to look at her as she darted past, geez, not even a "Hi"? Sky shook her head as she moved forward, only to hear some murmuring among the guards. "I can't believe she's finally back, do you think she'll find the thief?", another guard answering in return, "Well, she's caught some pretty nasty foes before, she might be able to get her hands on this one.". "Well, it's gotta be serious if they're calling her so early?". "You think Ms Kelly will end up going on some secret missions with her here?". "Probably". Sky was tempted to ask who they were talking about but she heard the sounds of trumpets outside and she just knew. She couldn't actually recall the last time she saw miss Jackie, it felt like forever by this point, but geez having her around was going to make things more stressful. She felt the necklace she got from Katrina around her neck, she was seriously considering using it, but at the same time was it better to save it? She wasn't sure if she should be bothering katrina more then she needed. She stopped to look out the window though, seeing a crowd form and she saw her moms go out to welcome a armored woman who got off her warnicorn and hug the two queens. Sky could make it out just barely as she was higher up, but she saw enough to know it was a warm welcome home. She sighed and moved forward, she needed to take a break, then maybe she could greet Jackie later. No doubt she'd want to see judas again as well. She opened her door, throwing her stuff in only to find lexi was already there. But sky was a little too used to that by this point. And this time around, sunny was waiting with her, no doubt having snuck past her bodyguards once again. They waved to sky, who fell on the bed and sighed. "How was the class?", sky's expression was almost enough of an answer but the girls's innocent eyes forced her to give her a proper answer, "It was....weird....i mean, i guess i learned about angel, but uh....eclipsa didn't teach us....like....the queen stuff i was expecting.". To her surprised sunny didn't seem to find this strange at all, "Back home eclipsa used to teach me all about monsters so i could make better friends with them when i was queen!". "Wait, really?" "Yeah...", her tail slinked out and started wagging, clutching around the dagger, "Well, when you're going to be a monster representative on the throne, it's just kinda important you get to know all the species and what they're like.". This peaked sky's interest, her head turning to look at her, "Wait, so are you like, SUPER familiar with like....angel's species and stuff?". Sunny shrugged, "Well, it's a little different here then it was there with their kingdom but i know about all their features and weaknesses and that kinda stuff." "Huh....i just thought you knew some stuff on monsters, not that you were like....an expert.", how good WAS this girl anyway? Between how good she seemed at magic and how now she seemed rather clever and knowledgeable she seemed far beyond the studies of most queens were at her age. Definitely way more then sky was now, geez, this girl was 14 and could already do spells beyond her normal age range? How was she so normal about this? "Well, i wouldn't say i'm an expert.....i'm just, really studious. I like learning things....", she summoned her wand , holding the staff with both hands and stomping it down on the ground. "I also like practicing magic, it well....it gives me some kinda control y'know? Handling your magic right?". Her wand was honestly beautiful the more sky looked at it, between the giant red-pink diamond like gemstone at the top, and ribbons along it's body and small features like having horns and wings, it truly looked like the wand of a damage dealer. "Yeah, i mean, cause like....my magic sucks so much so when i actually do something right, it just feels refreshing y'know? You finally did something right and things go your way for once in your life. Though, you seem to have WAY more control then i do." Sunny reached out and patted her shoulder, "You'll get it eventually, I'm sure you'll figure out the best way of making your magic work, you have been improving an awful lot after all! That's a good sign!". "Yeah but like....my wand....it's not normal, it's just. Like, my wand break on me all the time and no ones knows what's wrong and i can't even let my mom take it cause it might be the key to fixing all this and it's just...UGH". She grabbed a pillow and placed it over her head and sunny pulled it off, "How come you didn't ask your mom to look at it ages ago?". Only for the girl to blush and turn to the side, "I dunno, maybe i just thought, if i said something, she'd think i was incompetent....or....never let me have the wand..". "Sky...". "Like, maybe my mom might not be so....great, or like how i thought but.....like, i dunno.....i don't want her thinking i'm like....stupid or something. She's just so...perfect, everyone loves her, and then there's me, her weird daughter who can't do a single spell and broke the wand somehow...", she huffed, "Like geez...i'm stuck in classes with angel because of this, like.....if i could actually just do this stuff like she could, i wouldn't be stuck taking classes and doing the things i hate..". "Well, you can't just magically know everything and be some super queen, you gotta do the work for it, you gotta study and practice more often. Mom did that, i mean, she wasn't always great at everything all the time was she?", now sunny seemed intrigued, leaning on her arms and her wand leaning next to her. "Yeah but mom was also somehow as experienced as eclipsa, more powerful then our grandma, how am i ever supposed to compete surrounded by queens like that?". "Then just be you...maybe you need to stop trying to be them, and be more like you.". "But being more like...."me" hasn't gotten me anywhere!", she was about to say more only for sunny to grab her arm and yank her to look at her. Guess that demon strength didn't just end up going to judas, even sunny got it as well. "C'mon, sky you know that's not actually true, it was you that got nora to hang out with you and judas again, it was you that wanted to go out and find luna when she vanished, it was you who made that impressive bubble spell that caught ALL of us!". Sky was surprised sunny had even remembered the bubble spell , much less praised her for it. "Sky, maybe you don't think you're like other magic users, but maybe that's because you aren't like other magic users, maybe what makes your magic work is different then ours.". Sky somehow doubted that but the thought was at least nice, though sunny didn't seem done talking. "I'm part demon, i have magic that's from two different species, maybe you have something similar?". Sky frowned, biting at her lip, she was thinking about it. She couldn't exactly say human couldn't do magic, as her mom was into the occult and Queen Lucitor has been doing magic themselves for quite a while. But did that really count for anything? Dirhennia was not exactly a great magic user and it had nothing to do with anything "Special". Her doubt was showing in her face and Sunny seemed to know it, patting her shoulder, "You'll do fine sky, you need to stop doubting yourself.". "GUYS!". Well at least Galexia seemed oddly happy. Sunny smiled, "You made some new art? Ooooo, come on, show us!". Galexia ran over to the group, pile of drawings in hand, dumping them out all over the bed for everyone to see. All over sky's bed of course, because where else would she do it. But sunny grabbed ahold of some of them and looked them over, at least this stuff seemed to make being stuck here easier for both of them. Even though sunny and lexi both were probably still homesick, this seemed to bring some bit of joy for them. Sky looked over at the stuff to see the same old same old, doodles, and some draws of her friends of course. They seemed to be the thing lexi drew the most in fact. Sky was about to roll over and take a nap when she spotted one particular drawing among the group that got her attention. The girl plucked the doodle out of the pile and looked it over, "Hey, lexi.....is this me and angel?". Sunny looked over sky's shoulder from her looking to see what she was talking about and smiled, "Yeah, look at that, how cute! You guys are drinking tea together!". Sky bit her lip, something was off about this, and she took a minute before she placed it. The teacups looked exactly like the ones she and angel used, Purple with little hearts and Red with some stripes. Of course the whole thing was in crayon and markers so it wasn't exactly perfect but, there was no denying they were very much like the ones sky had seen earlier. Creepy. Her blue eyes then diverted back to the pile and she noticed something else. Dropping her current drawing, she reached over to take a look at the new one. It was one of a woman, in armor, shiny silver and blue armor. She had short blonde hair with a blue streak and blue turquoise eyes and sky recognized her instantly. "But.....wait, there's no way...she only just.....sunny, how long have you and galexia been in my room, did you just get here or something?", and sunny raised an eyebrow, "We've been in here at least an hour, we were waiting for you to get back......is everything ok?". "But that doesn't make sense, Jackie just got here, if lexi was with you, then....how did she.....lexi....when did you draw this?!!", lexi didn't seem phased at all by sky's concern, she simply shrugged and looked at her drawings. "I dunno, i think i drew it this morning, she's so pretty right?". Sky blinked at all the drawings, before looking back at the one in her hand. Then right back to lexi as though she had seen a ghost, thinking back to all the drawings she knew of lexi making. "Sunny....we...we need to call judas, i think....i think lexi knows more then she's letting on..".

#star vs the forces of evil #svstfoe #svtfoe #sky and the forces of the multiverse #tomco bby #janstar bby #starkie bby #ostar bby #starco bby #tomstar bby #tom the demon #tom lucitor #marco #marco diaz #fanfiction #fanfic #eclipsa butterfly #my art #spiderslime

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